France to extend its co-operation towards Pakistan

France to extend its co-operation towards Pakistan

Thursday, April 5, 2012: Philippe Thiebaud, French Ambassador to Pakistan, has assured his Pakistani counterpart that France will extend its hand towards Pakistan. France will not only provide financial and technical assistance
to Pakistan to overcome its energy crisis, but Pakistan-France Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation was established to give a boost to bilateral trade and economic relations between the two countries.

 Speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Thiebaud claimed that France was striving for GSP-plus (generalised system of preferences) status for Pakistani products, which would give a considerable boost to
Pakistan’s exports.

Stressing on the trade relationship between France and Pakistan, the ambassador said that the trade volume for the last year was over $1.3 billion.

He added that big players in France automobile industry have shown interest in Pakistani market. “Big companies of France have recognised Pakistan’s potential and are interested investing here,” Thiebaud said.

Regarding French cooperation in education sector, he stated that over 600 Master’s and PhD students were currently studying in France while more work was being done to facilitate future Pakistani students.

Kashif Younis Meher, LCCI Senior Vice President, said that Pakistan and France are steady trading partners. Meher said that considering the size of Pakistan’s consumer market, which is over 180 million, French companies should
consider Pakistan as a potential market for their brands.

Younis Meher further said that Pakistan has the potential to export quality fashion garments to France particularly leather goods. “Likewise we can supply sports goods, organic fresh fruits and vegetables etc,” he added.

Exemplifying the successful French brands in Pakistan, Meher said that French multinationals would find Pakistan favourable for long-term investment. “The success attained by French brands like Total and LU has proven that there
is enormous potential in Pakistan for foreign direct investment,” he said.

To further expand commercial and economic ties, it is necessary that both countries should have access to each other’s markets. “This will definitely strengthen and stabilise economic partnership,” he concluded.

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Posted by Wajahat Javed on Apr 6 2012. Filed under Business, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry