President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), President All Karachi Industrial Alliance (AKIA), Senior Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Panel of FPCCI and former provincial minister, Mian Zahid Hussain on Monday said that Pakistan shares close and old bilateral relations with Belgium in different areas of interest including security, defence, science & technology and trade and economy. EU is the biggest export destination for Pakistan with 34 percent share Pakistan’s exports, however as per 2016, Belgium’s share in total exports was 9 percent while imports to Pakistan were 6 percent. Despite potential of $ 2 billion, Pakistan could export only $ 970 million while imports from France were $ 380 million despite huge potential of approximately $ 7 billion.
The Veteran Business Leader while talking to the business community said that export commodities to Belgium include textile products, medical & surgical instruments, Vaccines for medicine, Food items and import products include Light oils, scrap of steel & iron and solid milk. Bilateral trade of Pak – Belgium has increased by 34 percent since 2013 and reached $ 1 billion in 2017, however, huge growth potential is available. Export sector can increase exports to Belgium by realizing huge potential market. Bilateral trade is in favour of Pakistan which can be further improved through increased exports.
The former minister said that Belgium can have the opportunity of investment in key sectors of the Pakistani economy including energy, transport, public works, civil engineering, environment, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and non-banking services. Given to the better investment opportunities, easy government policies and comfortable environment Belgium can increase investment in several new and existing sectors including renewable energy, tourism, hospitality and dams, etc. All Greenfield investment has been exempted from RD on import of plants and machinery and GST for five years, which is a benefit for all foreign investors.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that recently in the backdrop of easing visa policy by the current government where on arrival visa has offered to 50 countries, online visa to 175 countries, business visa to 68 countries and tourist visa to 24 countries including Belgium.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that opportunities lie in various areas of Pakistan including human resource, minerals and agriculture sectors and the Country possesses exceptional raw material for investment and has distinguished position in regional countries. Single country exhibitions and trade visits should be increased to strengthen bilateral trade between the countries. The human and natural resources of Pakistan are enough to make this country an industrial and financial hub as it play vital roles in trade with middle east, Gulf and central Asian countries. The Pak – Belgium business forum should take practical measures to improve the bilateral trade between the countries.
[divider style=”normal” top=”20″ bottom=”20″]
[divider style=”normal” top=”20″ bottom=”20″]
Govt. need to resolve issues of particle board manufacturers says Mian Zahid Hussain
President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), President All Karachi Industrial Alliance (AKIA), Senior Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Panel of FPCCI and former provincial minister, Mian Zahid Hussain said that Pakistan is world’s 51st largest producer of chip and particle board producing around 76,000 cubic meter annually. The industry fulfils domestic demand in addition to contributing 0.1 percent to the international trade of this sector. There are around 35 industrial units manufacturing chip board to fulfil needs of construction, furniture and allied sectors and largely reducing import bill of the Country.
Former minister said while talking to the business community that particle board is the best substitute to the natural wood. In the backdrop of forest protection policy of the current government, this sector has huge growth potential which can benefit existing players of the industry and may also facilitate new entrants. Revision on regulatory duties applied on the import of raw material will be an added advantage to this sector, which will boost its growth and opportunities. It is vital to observe and practice international standards keeping the international demand in mind for which government assistance is vital, he added.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that there is no research and development institute in the country to bring innovation in this sector. Production of this sector is in traditional manner with no advancement in accordance to the international needs thus exports are just minimal. Development of this sector will not only play significant role in increased exports of this sector but will also play vital role in protecting countrywide forests.
Veteran business leader said that the environmental protection authorities are discriminating against wood based industry, which need to be eradicated. Emission standard for general factory is 400 – 1700 mg/m3 while emission standard for sulphuric acid and nitric acid is 5000 and 3000 mg/m3. Emission standard for wood based industry is set to as the general factories which need to be enhanced to 5000 mg/m3 in order to facilitate this sector.
He said that industries in this sector closes its units first six days every month in order to save the environment but it faces different difficulties from EPAs which need due consideration. Six days monthly closure cause this sector 25 percent loss in production which needs government attention in consultation with All Pakistan Particle board manufacturers association which is the representative body of this industry. Industrialists in this sector are ready to plant 1000 plants per unit to contribute to the cause of environment protection. If the Finance Minister Asad Umar takes appropriate steps in this regard, this sector can play an important role in the development of country, he added.
[divider style=”normal” top=”20″ bottom=”20″]
[divider style=”normal” top=”20″ bottom=”20″]
Pakistan’s effective response on the insane operation of India’s appreciative.
Misunderstanding Pakistan’s peace will as weakness is India’s serious mistake.
Alhamdulillah Pakistani government, armed forces, all political parties and 220 million people are committed to defend the motherland.
February 27, 2019
President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), President All Karachi Industrial Alliance (AKIA), Senior Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Panel of FPCCI and former provincial minister, Mian Zahid Hussain said that Indian cowardly intrusion violating the Line of Control in Azad Kashmir, tried to crack down on Balakot village has successfully repulsed by Pakistan Air Force. The fearful Indian Planes dropped their Pay Load (Additional fuel tanks and explosive material) for saving their lives that hit the trees and made them wreckage. But India is claiming to destroy the militant sanctuary by giving it the name of surgical strike, which is a false lie and is just like afake surgical strike.
Mian Zahid Hussain told the business community that today the Pakistan armed forces, with full ability and capacity, hit hard the Indian aggression, breaking two Indian planes in Self Defense and during this operation, two Indian Wing Commanders have taken over, one of which has been shifted to CMH in a critical condition.
He also said that there have been 18 major attacks in the era of Modi Government that all were tried to tackle Pakistan, but no concrete evidence could be presented so far. Pakistani Government condemns Palwama attack and Prime Minister Imran Khan offered full support in its investigation, which the indian government rejected and Pakistan’s peacefulness and tolerant sense of compassion was considered to be a fierce and did an insane act by which Pakistan responded fully. India will have to think seriously for peace in the region or there is no victory in the war, but humanity loses and it is impossible to troubleshoot. The two countries have to solve their problems by communicating on the table for their country’s prosperity due to which peace and stability arise, problems such as poverty, and unemployment can be eliminated.
Alhamdulillah the Pakistani government, armed forces, all political parties and 220 million people are committed to defend the country and the nations of the world should remember that the spread of life for the protection of the country and its sanctuary is the duty of every Muslim. Therefore, it is necessary that the nation prevent ordinary Indian Jackals from such anxious movements from which events can be said to affect not just South Asia but the whole world.
The Business Community congratulates the government and forces on timely action against India and assures all possible cooperation in strengthening the country’s defense.