LAHORE: Agriculture sectors of Mali and Pakistan are rich with resources and abilities. Both countries should work together in agriculture sector and avail benefit from each other’s experience.
These views were expressed by the Ambassador of Mali Dianguina Dit Yaya Doucoure while speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Thursday. LCCI President Mian Tariq Misbah presented the address of welcome while Senior Vice President Nasir Hameed Khan, members of the Executive Committee and Honorary Consul of Mali Rana Tahir Abbas also spoke on the occasion.
The Ambassador said that Mali has vast agri land that can be given on lease for 30 years to the investors. He said that a legal framework in Mali is being introduced to ensure one window operation for the foreign investors. He said that exchange of trade delegations between the two countries can be most effective tool for strengthening trade and economic ties. He said that role of private sectors of Mali and Pakistan is vital in this respect.
While talking to the Ambassador of Mali, President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry Mian Tariq Misbah said that new business partners in unconventional markets like African countries will not only help to boost external trade of Pakistan but will also help African businessmen and investors to tap huge potential from an emerging economy.
He said that LCCI is well aware of the importance of Mali as the eighth-largest country in Africa, with an area of over 1,240,000 square kilometers. He said that Pakistani business community always attached great importance to enhancing economic relations with African region as it is a good potential market for Pakistan Exports.
Mian Tariq Misbah said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Mali Chamber of Commerce & Industry should ink an MOU for enhancing trade and economic ties between the two countries.
The LCCI President said that Pakistan has a wide range of exports items and can easily cater the needs of Mali. He said that the current trade volume between Pakistan and Mali is even less than One million dollars while the global imports of Mali are in excess of 5 Billion Dollars.
“We can achieve quick results if there is regular interaction among the representatives of private sectors. This will help in exchange of information and having a deeper knowledge of each other’s markets”, Mian Tariq Misbah said and added that there is a tremendous potential for Mali to import textile items, leather goods, pharmaceuticals, rice, sports goods and light engineering equipment etc. from Pakistan.
