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ISLAMABAD. May
25. Norwegian investors are taking sufficient interest to
explore Pakistan for investment opportunities in different
areas because Pakistan is emerging as a big and attractive
market.
This was said by H.E. Mr. Robert Kvile, Ambassador of Norway
while addressing business community at Islamabad Chamber of
Commerce & Industry (ICCI).
He identified energy and fisheries as potential sectors of
cooperation between the two countries. He said Norway is an
energy rich country while fish farming is a big business
there and both countries can reap
mutual benefits by enhancing collaboration in these sectors.
He said Norway has funded the construction of a big girl
school in Buner and contributed US$ 50-million for IDPs and
different developmental projects in Pakistan.
He said Telenor has made more than US$ 2-billion investment
in Pakistan and has emerged as the second largest cellular
operator here, which shows good business potential in
Pakistan.
He said more than 30,000 Pakistanis are settled in Norway
and making good contribution to the development of Norwegian
economy. He said a Pakistani Mr. Akhtar Chaudhry has become
Deputy Speaker in Norway.
Mr. Robert Kvile said that Pakistani immigrants in Norway
can play a vital role in improving trade and economic
relations between Pakistan and Norway. He said many
Pakistani products are reaching Norway via
third country and stressed for routing trade through direct
channels, which will be more beneficial for both countries.
In his welcome address, Zahid Maqbool, President, Islamabad
Chamber of Commerce & Industry said that bilateral trade
between Norway and Pakistan in 2007-08 was just US$
79.575-million, which doesn’t reflect
true potential of both countries.
He said both countries should make concerted efforts to
diversify two-way trade. For this purpose, frequent exchange
of trade delegations should be facilitated to promote trade
and exports.
He said Norway is world’s fifth largest oil and third
largest gas exporter and it should help Pakistan with
technology transfer for accelerating the pace exploration
and production activities.
Zahid Maqbool said Pakistan is producing best quality
mangoes and other fruits and Norway should enhance import of
food items and fruits from Pakistan. He said Pakistan
offers lucrative investment
opportunities and Norway’s investors should take advantage
of these possibilities by making direct investment or
entering into joint ventures in areas of their interest in
Pakistan. |
