Islamabad: Cuba and Pakistan have maintained a good level of exchanges which has broaden and deepen the cooperation in various sectors, whereas private sectors of both countries should come forward to exploit trade opportunities.
H.E. Mr. Jesus Zenen Buergo Concepcion, Ambassador of Cuba in Pakistan has made these remarks, while in a meeting with Mahfooz Elahi, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI). The ambassador offered Cuban cooperation to Pakistan in development of vaccines, training of doctors and paramedics and in the area of bio-technology.
He said that Cuba always considered Pakistan as an important state in the world and hoped that the existing ties between the two countries would further be strengthened by enhancing links in higher education, particularly in the field of biotechnology, which would include exchange of scientists, joint research programmes and collaboration between industries in Cuba and Pakistan.
The Ambassador said that Cuba has very good relations with China, Russia, Iran, Brazil and Latin America. He expressed positive views over the export potential of Pakistani rice, textile, leather and sports goods in the Cuban market and said that businesspeople from Pakistan would take this advantage.
In his welcome address, Mahfooz Elahi President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry thanked the Cuban government for timely and generous help in the aftermath of Oct 8, 2005 earthquake by sending the largest medical team of doctors and paramedics to the devastated areas.
He said that there were no direct flight connectivity between Pakistan and Cuba which was hindering the trade potential of both countries. Cuba should develop good relations with Middle East countries that would provide a gateway for boosting mutual trade between Cuba and Pakistan, he added.
Mahfooz Elahi said that Cuban businessmen should consider Pakistan for joint ventures in the area of common interest. He said that many Pakistani products including rice, surgical instruments, sports goods and textile have good potential. Thus, Cuban businessmen should establish direct trade links with Pakistani counterparts which would enhance bilateral economic relation, he emphasized.
For more information, contact:
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Chamber House,
Aiwan-e-Sanat-o-Tijarat Road, Mauve Area,
G-8/1, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +9251 225 0526 and 225 3145
Fax: +9251 225 2950
Email: icci@brain.net.pk
Website: www.icci.com.pk