Islamabad: A large number of Swiss multinational companies are operating in Pakistan. They do not only market their world class products and services, but also creating thousands of attractive jobs in the country.
These are challenging times for Pakistan as it has to deal with difficult security conditions in order to bring economic stability in the country. The economic ties between Switzerland and Pakistan were built on solid grounds and the trade between two countries has been increasing steadily, Mr. Nicolas Plattner, Deputy Head of Mission of Switzerland in Pakistan has said, while visiting Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).
He said that for the fiscal year 2009-2010, Switzerland was ranked the 5th largest Foreign Direct Investor into Pakistan by investing 170.6 million US dollars. He said that companies like ABB, Clariant, Sika, Gate Gourmet, Nestle, Novartis, Roche, SICPA, SGS, Syngenta or Nexus were well known Swiss companies presently operating in Pakistan and doing a successful business. This is a proof that Pakistan has the potential to be an attractive location for Foreign Direct Investment.
Mr. Plattner said that establishment of Swiss Business Council (SBC) has bridged business to business relations between both countries and provided strong linkage for the exchange of business related information.
He said that Switzerland has also been contributing towards the development of Pakistan through its development and humanitarian aid programmes. Switzerland contributed US $10.7 million to flood-related humanitarian projects in the Pakistan, he added.
In his welcome address, Mahfooz Elahi President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) said that Pakistan is a peaceful nation and overall business environment was very good. The presence of a large number of foreign companies showed confidence on the business environment, as they were doing profitable business.
ICCI President said that we should concentrate on the existing opportunities and suggested that cooperation could be enhanced in the agriculture, transfer of technology, textile and pharmaceutical sectors. He thanked the people of Switzerland for all their support to Pakistan at the time of the recent floods that hit Pakistan in 2010.
He said that Pakistan offers profitable investment opportunities to both local and foreign investors. He said that marble sector was fast growing sector in the country with huge investment potential. Foreign businessmen should come forward and invest in marble industry, he stressed.
He suggested that for increasing bilateral trade people to people contacts needs to be enhanced. The visit of business delegations should also be encouraged to explore markets, he added.
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