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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan here on Wednesday proposed Czech Republic and Greece to enter in to bilateral investment treaties with Pakistan for promotion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

Federal Minister for Investment, Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan, called on the Ambassadors of Czech Republic and Greece. While talking to them, the Minister underscored the need of concluding BITs with respective countries. During the meeting, mutual trade and investment opportunities came under discussion. Senator Waqar Ahmad Khan tried to persuade both the Ambassadors to lobby for Pakistan in the European Union for securing GSP+ status.

Senator stressed the need to enhance trade volume of Pakistan with European countries in order to reduce poverty in Pakistan and maintain sustainable economic growth. It is imperative that the European Union joined hands with Pakistan in its fights against terrorism and allowed free access of Pakistani products to European markets.

The Minister referred to the meetings of Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani with German Chancellor and the British Prime Minister in which mutual trade and investment opportunities were discussed. In continuation of that policy, Senator shared and conveyed the desire of Pakistani government to gain access to European markets. Senator told that Pakistan is a resource- rich country and offers huge investment opportunities to the world. On the other hand, Pakistan needs help from European countries so that local market of Pakistan gets exposed to the state-of –the-art European markets. Infact this is the best way to enhance the level competitiveness of local market of Pakistan.

The Minister said that Pakistan is engaged in the war on terrorism and the whole country is in a state of war. He condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Rawalpindi , Lahore , Quetta and Multan . Under these tough times, Pakistan expects from the countries of European Union to open up their markets for Pakistan and allow free access to Pakistani exports with minimum conditionality and lowest tariffs.

Senator thanked the respective Ambassadors for showing keen interest and being instrumental in persuading the investors of their countries to explore and invest in multiple sectors in Pakistan.

Pakistan can’t and should not be equated with Afghanistan , the Senator said. Pakistan is a sovereign and responsible country. Pakistan enjoys full-fledge democracy led by the elected leadership of Pakistan with stable and strong institutions like Parliament, Judiciary and the Army.

The Senator asked for the support of both the countries to achieve GSP+ status in the European Union through the strong lobby by these countries in the Europe. Both the ambassadors agreed in principles to vote and lobby for Pakistan in achieving maximum support for Pakistan in the European Union.

End.