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Australian HC Calls for trade ties with Pakistan

The potential to increase bilateral trade between the economies of Australia and Pakistan should be explored in order to enhance ties between the two nations, according to Australian High Commissioner, Peter Heyward. 

While addressing the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday, Heyward spoke about the potential for investment between the two countries, The International News reported.

“There is good potential for increased bilateral trade and investment in a number of sectors through partnerships leveraging Australian technology, know-how, services, specialised products and capital, including in mining and energy, agri-business, and education,” he said.

Heyward highlighted Pakistan’s agricultural products including mango and citrus as having immense potential to penetrate the Australian market due to their exceptional quality.

He also went on to say that Australia should help Pakistan in the building of its exports by providing expert advice on improving agricultural productivity, post-harvest value, food processing as well as with dairy products and livestock.

“Austrade and the Australian High Commission hope to see these and other opportunities realised in Pakistan for the benefit of all involved and will be working to these ends,” Heyward concluded.

ICCI President Yassar Sakhi Butt said that bilateral trade between Australia and Pakistan stood at just $US500 million and he hoped that by diversifying exports and focusing on ‘non-traditional and value-added items’, trade relations could be immensely improved.

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