FROM MENAHILL RASHID
FAISALABAD: After corona Pandemic, Pakistani and Dutch companies have started contacting each other which would not only help to increase the volume of bilateral trade but also play a major role in reorganizing agriculture on modern scientific lines in Pakistan, said Mr. Wouter Plomp ambassador of the kingdom of Netherlands in Pakistan.
Addressing the business community in the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) here today, he said that Netherlands is a small country as compared to Pakistan but it is second largest agriculture exporting country in the world only due to its technological expertise. He said adding that, many Dutch companies are already working in Pakistan while more are contemplating to launch their projects as vast tracts of land and cheap labor are available here in Pakistan. He said that Holland could help Pakistan in the development of its dairy sector in addition to producing high yielding potato seeds. He also informed that Pakistan has a very proactive commercial section in Hague and it could help Pakistani exporters in organizing textile exhibitions in the Netherlands in addition to arranging direct meetings with the Dutch investors for launching joint ventures with technology transfer and branding. He further said that the Netherlands has already collaborated with Engro Foods for the production of a wide range of value-added agriculture products. He said that a dairy factory has been established in Sahiwal which is collecting milk from the catchment area in a most safe and scientific manner. He said that Pakistan is discouraging imports by enhancing regulatory duties and hence Dutch companies would prefer to establish their units in Pakistan. He categorically condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine and said that such an unprovoked invasion is not acceptable during the 21st century. He also expressed his keen interest in the game of hockey and said that Pakistan has recently hired the services of a Dutch coach and hopefully Pakistan would re-emerge as one of the top ranking hockey playing countries.
Welcoming the guests Mr. Atif Munir Sheikh President FCCI briefed them about the Faisalabad and FCCI. He said that although textile is an iconic representation of Faisalabad but other sectors are also growing with a steady pace. He also briefed him about the 3-day Pakistan Economic Conference organized by the FCCI. He said that it was a wonderful event which was attended by Presidents from 68 Chambers of Commerce & Industry, 16 Women and 14 Small Chambers of Commerce & Trade. He said that the worthy ambassador was also invited to grace it but he could not do so because of his busy schedule. He also stressed the need to enhance the volume of bilateral trade through investment and technology transfer. He also presented a proposal for exchange of delegations and said that Dutch investors should invest in major industrial estates developed by FIEDMC in Faisalabad. “These estates also have the status of special economic zone”, he added.
Ms. Sundus Munawar policy officer of the Economic Affairs of the Dutch embassy also addressed the meeting and said that the Netherlands will provide technical support to the female entrepreneurs enabling them to play their pivotal role in the national economy.
A question-answer session was also held which was participated by Engineer Ahmad Hassan, Engineer Asim Munir, Mian Zulfiqar Ahmad, Mr. Sanaullah Niazi, Mr. Khalid Mahmood and Ms. Nighat Shahid.
Later vice President Rana Fayyaz Ahmad offered vote of thanks while Senior Vice President Imran Mahmood Sheikh along with Mr. Atif Munir Sheikh presented FCCI shield to Mr. Wouter Plomp ambassador of the kingdom of Netherland.
