(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Irfan Bukhari / The Peninsula
DOHA: Driven by the increase in imports of goods resulting from the blockade, exports from Pakistan to Qatar surged by 53 percent in second half of 2017 compared with last six months of 2016.
The total volume of exports from Pakistan from July to December 2017 stood at around $39m compared to $25m in the last six months of 2016. 'We are expecting more increase in coming months, Salman Ali, Commercial Secretary at Pakistan Embassy, told The Peninsula.
He said that the embassy, in collaboration with Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce, was set to organise 'Business Opportunities and Investment Conference on February 28 this year in Doha to further develop the existing business and trade relations between two friendly countries. Rawalpindi is city of Pakistan's Punjab province adjacent to the capital Islamabad.
Salman said that as many as 50 business delegates, representing a wide range of industries, especially from the manufacturing sector, would be participating in the Conference to establish partnership with Qatari companies.
'Both sides will also discuss and explore investment opportunities. Pakistani businessmen will explore investments opportunities in Qatar and will also highlight existing investment opportunities in Pakistan for Qatari investors, he added. Salman said that the business leaders representing real estate, construction, security, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and other sectors would be part of the delegation.
He said that exports from Pakistan mostly included meat, fruits, vegetables, chicken and other poultry products, milk and other dairy products, frozen food among other edible items. 'But Pakistan is also exporting different types of construction materials to Qatar, and their demand is continuously increasing as more new projects are being launched and the existing ones have accelerated the construction process as the time of the mega event (2022 FIFA World Cup) is approaching fast, he added.
The Commercial Secretary said that the direct maritime service of Milaha between Karachi and Hamad Port was facilitating bilateral trade.
Salman said that 17 Pakistani companies would participate in Agriteq from March 20 to 22. 'Pakistan is also participating in ‘Qatar First International Products Exhibition' scheduled to be held from April 8 to 11 in Doha in which we have been invited to participate along only nine other countries. So far, 61 Pakistani companies have confirmed their participation for this exhibition, he added. Salman said that the visit of delegation of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in August last year was very productive. 'The delegation represented different sectors including food, pharmaceuticals etc., he said.
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