A delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) led by its President Zahid Maqbool called on H.E. Mr. Adam Thomsan, High Commissioner of Britain in his office and apprised him of the business opportunities existing in Pakistan for UK companies.

When ICCI President thanked UK for being the 2nd largest trading partner of Pakistan, Mr. Adam Thomsan said we would like to be the number one. He said over 100 UK companies are doing business in Pakistan and performing well. He said many other companies of UK are taking keen interest to learn more about the dynamics of Pakistani market so that they could explore the possibilities of investment here.
He assured that British High Commission will take measures to provide fast track business visas to Pakistani entrepreneurs so that they could play more effective role in enhancing bilateral trade and economic relations between the two countries.

He Mr. Adam Thomsan said that that he will do all what he can to improve the perception of Pakistan in UK and highlight the many opportunities that exist in Pakistan so that British companies could feel encouraged to avail themselves of those opportunities.

He said that Trusted Partner agreement, which was signed between the British High Commission and Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry couple of years ago, will be re-activated to promote business linkages between top business companies of the two countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Zahid Maqbool, President ICCI informed the High Commissioner of the snags in the visa processing system that are creating difficulties for the Pakistani businessmen and students aspiring to visit to the United Kingdom and asked him to play his role in streamlining these matters.

He said business regulations have been overhauled in Pakistan to make them very liberal and there are strong opportunities for UK companies do business in different sectors of Pakistan’s economy including agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, financial services, oil and gas, telecommunications, power, manufacturing, education & training and marine etc.

He said Pakistan’s economy is now recovering fast while Pakistan military has eliminated about 85 percent terrorists. He said presence of over 100 UK companies is a proof that Pakistan is an attractive market for foreign investors. He also invited the British High Commissioner to visit ICCI and share his views with businessmen for exploring more areas of common interest. The invitation was accepted by the High Commissioner.