By Syed Mussarat Khalil
JEDDAH — The outgoing commercial consular of Pakistan Abdul Wahab Soomro said the trade relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are extremely friendly and excellent.
To increase trade volume, which is $400 to $500 million per annum, between the two nations exporters, at present, should send more value added products here like other countries.
He was speaking at the farewell dinner hosted in his honor by Dr. Mansour Memon — a noted physician and a established social icon of Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia at Lasani Restaurant recently.
Somroo said, “Saudi Arabia is very good place to live. I have spent more than three years and enjoyed every moment here. It was professionally rewarding time and l have learned many things.”
He said, “I observed one thing when I came here that there was no participation from Pakistan in the exhibitions which were held in Riyadh and Jeddah. This needs to be rectified.”
The outgoing diplomat claimed that with his efforts and with the approval of Trade Development Authority (TDA) of Pakistan he organized two to three exhibitions every year to provide best opportunities to the Pakistani exporters to introduced and made awareness of their products.
He advised Pakistani businessmen and exporters to participate frequently in the exhibitions here and trade delegations should come regularly.
He thanked TDA’s cooperation by providing opportunities to the Pakistani exporters for participation in the exhibitions during his stay of a little over three years.
In his welcome address Dr. Memon said, “With 200 million people and 60 million middle class consumers, Pakistan is a rapidly growing emerging market. A favorable demography and a large work force provides a corporate opportunity. Yet this requires a substantial political stability, controlled law and order situation and conducive economic environment, and this will put us on growth track.”
Dr. Memon added there are substantial trade openings in undervalued assets with an active privatization initiative and infrastructure growth especially under the China-Pakistan economic corridor.
The power project under CPEC and road and rail projects are essential investment opportunity.
Food processing is underutilized investment sector and agricultural era can expand with proper management. Education and IT sector is rapidly developing yet there is an opportunity to invest. Manufacturing sector is another prospective area to grow, he said.
He thanked all the guests, including Asif Hasan Memon, deputy consul general, Shoib Akbar acting press consular, Masood Puri president Kashmir committee, and others who graced the occasion.
