Under the dynamic and visionary leadership, the Pakistan-Portugal Business Forum (PPBF) has emerged as a bridging gateway between Pakistan and Europe in short span of its life. It is all due to the enormous services and guidance provided by the PPBF to the investors and businessmen for the promotion of economic and financial activities.
PPBF was established in the beginning of current year 2016, when the President Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industries Abdul Rauf Alam and Amna Malik Chairperson Trade and Investment Committee FPCCI along with a delegation of leading businessmen from Pakistan visited Lisbon, Portugal.
FPPCI delegation held meeting with Portuguese President Chambers of Commerce Industries, prominent businessmen and Parliamentarian. In result of detailed deliberations both sides concluded on the establishment of the business forum with key objective to increase trade and Investment relations between the two countries.
After the establishment of business forum, PPBF Chairman William paid a reciprocal business trip to Pakistan along with a delegation of Portuguese investors and businessmen. During his stay in Pakistan, Portuguese delegation held important meetings with the President FPCCI Abdul Rauf Alam and Iftikhar Malik Chairman UBG Group and proposed a B2B meeting of businessmen in Lisbon Portugal in the beginning of next year.
The PPBF business delegation held productive interaction with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Provincial Minister Education and invited them to attend Pakistan Portugal Business Forum in Lisbon. The Chairman and business group met the KPK, Lahore and Karachi business groups and signed MoUs in housing, trading sectors as well as a number of other fields.
The delegation held informative and productive meetings with Regional Chairman of United Business Group (UBG) of the FPCCI Haji Naseemur Rehman, Senator Sitara Ayaz, President Charsadda Women Chamber of Commerce and other businessmen.
Chairman of the Pakistan Portugal Business Forum (PPBF) William Monteiro while talking to media said that Pakistan and Portugal enjoy good relation but volume of bilateral trade is disappointing which must be increased through joint efforts. He said that western media was painting wrong picture of situation in Pakistan while the fact remains that it is in process of becoming a regional economic powerhouse.
Monteiro said that both countries can cooperate in making cars, shipbuilding, agriculture, tourism, machinery, mobile applications, marble and different sectors of agriculture. He said that Portugal was a developing country but inclusion in the EU turned its economy around and Pakistan will also see rapid development after completion of CPEC which is a fate changing project.
While talking to PPBF Director Coordination Amna Malik said that Pakistan could access a market of 300 million people living in Portugal and its former colonies for which every cooperation would be extended. She said that Pakistan was keen on strong bilateral relations with Portugal. Pakistani government and business community would try best to bring both countries closer through trade.
FPCCI President Abdul Rauf Alam said that both countries needed to have a regular exchange of business delegations. Portugal can reach the markets of Iran, Afghanistan, central Asia, Middle East and Gulf through Pakistan which will give boost to its economy.
The visiting delegation also attended a dinner hosted by the Portuguese Ambassador to Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador said that Portuguese expertise in energy generation through renewable resources could help Pakistan in its energy crisis. He underlined the need for bilateral cooperation to explore untapped opportunities and expand the scope of relations.
Melange Report