RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: A French parliamentary delegation has said that investment opportunities in Pakistan are of great attraction and they would tell their country businessmen about the sectors that could create a win-win situation.

The delegation members expressed these views while speaking at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The delegation members who spoke on the occasion include Jean Bernard Sempastous, Annaig Le Meur, Jean-Luc Reitzer, Sonia Krimi, Alexandre Michel, Mian Ahsan Abbas, Michael Boucault and Philippe FOUET.

The parliamentarian said that the French government values its relations with Pakistan and it is keen to further strengthening its economic relations with Pakistan. They also stressed the need for close contacts between the businessmen through use of modern technology like video conferencing in order to develop deep and lasting linkages and networks for sharing each others’ experiences for strengthening of economic relations. They said they would play their role for increasing bilateral trade between the two countries.

Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid said Pakistan is all set to gain further political stability in years to come. “We hope that we will soon start reaping the fruits of attaining political maturity,” he added.

While sharing trade figures, he said in 2015, the total volume of bilateral trade was US $778 million which surged to $817 million in 2016. The main reason of that increase was consistent rise both in imports and exports to France. He said from 2015 to 2016, the exports to France registered an increase of 3.3 percent whereas the imports from France went up by 6.5 percent. This trend needs to be continued. In the present scenario of bilateral trade, the balance of trade should be in favor of Pakistan and its products should have easy access to the markets of France.

The LCCI President said that in terms of tourism, Pakistan is a beautiful and historical country and you will be amused by its scenic beauty. He urged the French delegation to share actual perception about Pakistan with their countrymen.