The Consulate General of Pakistan in Vancouver and the US-Pakistan International Chamber of Commerce (USPICC) have agreed to join hands to boost Pakistani exports to Canada.
It has also been decided to bring trade organisations of the two countries closer, support networking, arrange business to business meetings, hold exhibitions and festivals and improve communications between the business community of both the countries.
The agreement was reached in a meeting between Consul General of Pakistan Vancouver Janbaz Khan and Malik Sohail Hussain, Secretary-General, USPICC.
Ms. Bushra Rehman, the first President of Pakistan Western Canada Trade Association working under the patronage of the Consul General of Pakistan in Vancouver was also present at the meeting.
On the occasion, Janbaz Khan said that Pakistan enjoys strong bilateral and political relations with Canada. Pakistan exports to Canada, including leather goods, apparel and textiles, increased by 24 percent in 2021 and we are trying our best to increase exports.
On the other hand, Canadian exports to Pakistan, which include edible oilseeds, pulses, and lumber, increased by six percent in 2021.
Canada is Pakistan’s twenty-first largest export partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $1.8 billion in 2021, he added.
He said that we are promoting diplomatic, political, and educational engagements while efforts are underway to boost exports of rice, surgical items, sports goods, etc. which will be beneficial for Pakistan.
Janbaz Khan informed that a “Biryani Festival” in Vancouver is on the cards which will help promote Pakistani rice in Canada.
He also offered membership of PWCTA to President of United Business Group (UBG) Zubair Tufail and Chief Coordinator UBG Malik Sohail Hussain which was accepted.
Ms. Bushra Rehman first President of Pakistan Western Canada Trade Association said that she is leaving for the US to attend the USPICC’s seminar on New York Export Incentive Program at the invitation of the President of USPICC Sajjad Qamar and will discuss the possibility of signing an MOU between the two organisations.
Malik Sohail said that Chairman of USPICC Siddique Shaikh and President USPICC Sajjad Qamar are very interested in strengthening bilateral trade relations and they would launch the Canada Chapter of the chamber soon.
He said that USPICC will cooperate with the Consulate General to open a display centre showcasing Pakistan products which will help boost exports.
Pakistan is a semi-industrialized, agri-based economy, one of the largest producers of natural commodities, and its labour market is the 10th largest in the world.
Agriculture in Pakistan plays a central role in the economy and it is the largest employment provider, but for the last few years agriculture is facing issues,
exports are flat and imports are increasing, leading to a rising trade deficit which can be bridged through enhanced exports, said Malik Sohail.
