UK Trade Commissioner Oliver Christian Meets Jam Kamal to Boost Bilateral Trade

The United Kingdom (UK) and Pakistan have a long-standing relationship that has evolved over the years, particularly in the realm of trade. Recently, UK Trade Commissioner Oliver Christian met with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan to discuss ways to enhance bilateral trade between the two nations. This meeting is crucial as both countries look to strengthen their economic ties and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

During the meeting, the importance of sectoral collaboration was emphasized. Both leaders recognized the need for a business-to-business matchmaking approach to identify and target growth areas in their respective markets. Jam Kamal highlighted Pakistan's significant potential in the food sector, particularly through value addition. He stated, "Pakistan currently can get more foreign exchange by focusing on value addition," which underscores the importance of enhancing the quality and processing of agricultural products.

The minister also expressed the government's commitment to expanding trade, especially under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He praised the Prime Minister's dedication to achieving an ambitious export growth plan, which aims to double exports from US$30 billion to US$60 billion. This goal reflects a strong vision for Pakistan's economic future and its role in the global market.

One of the notable achievements mentioned during the meeting was the successful organization of the FoodAg Expo in Karachi, which attracted over 800 foreign delegates. Jam Kamal remarked, "This was the first event of its kind, with such a large international presence, and it opened doors to significant business opportunities." This event not only showcased Pakistan's agricultural potential but also provided a platform for international collaboration.

In addition to the food sector, Kamal pointed out Pakistan's growing exports in various other sectors, including IT, mining, horticulture, and dairy. He also discussed the potential for future exports, particularly in olive products, stating, "Pakistan is on its way to becoming a significant olive exporter, with vast cultivation underway." This diversification of exports is essential for Pakistan's economic resilience and growth.

The UK Trade Commissioner acknowledged Pakistan's vast potential and expressed full support for increasing the trade volume between the two nations. Both sides agreed on the importance of establishing the UK-Pakistan Trade Dialogue, a platform that will soon be launched to promote trade and investment. This initiative is expected to facilitate discussions and collaborations that can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes.

As the UK diversifies its import sources following Brexit, Jam Kamal highlighted Pakistan's potential to become a key supplier of food products to the UK, especially given its compliance with international standards. This discussion marks a significant step in strengthening trade ties, with both parties expressing optimism for the future of UK-Pakistan trade relations.

The meeting between UK Trade Commissioner Oliver Christian and Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan signifies a promising future for trade relations between the UK and Pakistan. With both nations committed to exploring new avenues for collaboration and growth, there is a strong potential for increased economic cooperation that could benefit both countries. As they work together to enhance trade, it is essential for businesses and stakeholders in both nations to remain engaged and proactive in seizing the opportunities that arise from this partnership.