Being a strong economy of Central Europe, Czech Republic is a potential market for Pakistani products and Pakistani entrepreneurs should speed up efforts to explore business opportunities in this thriving country.

This was said by Mr. Aitzaz Ahmed, Ambassador-designate to Czech Republic while talking to businessmen at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI). He said he will play is positive role in facilitating businessmen of both countries to establish direct contacts for exploring areas of mutual interest.

He said we need strong and reliable partners in Pakistan to promote long term trade relations with Czech Republic. He said Pakistani products such as chemical, paper, rubber, sports good and textile products are quite popular in Czech Republic.

Aitzaz Ahmed said there is also lot of scope for Pakistan to promote the export of vegetable and organic food products which are in high demand in Europe due to health consciousness.

However, he said to get a better market share in Europe, Pakistani entrepreneurs will have to meet certain requirements including value addition of products, getting ISO certifications and ensuring proper labeling of products, which are preferred by European customers.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr.Karim Aziz Malik, Acting President, ICCI said that the current level of trade between Pakistan and Czech Republic needs more concrete steps on both sides to promote it up to potential.

He said lack of information about business opportunities in foreign countries is a big issue and this is the area where Pakistani foreign missions can play a key role by providing right information to country’s Chambers of Commerce.

 He said Pakistan Embassy in Czech Republic should facilitate Chambers of Commerce of both the countries to directly exchange desired information. He said government should also encourage exchange of trade delegations with Czech Republic besides providing help in organizing single country exhibitions.

He requested the Ambassador-designate to identify areas of business potential for Pakistan in Czech Republic and share it directly with ICCI so that entrepreneurs could plan to exploit these opportunities. Mr.Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, Vice President, ICCI also offered many suggestions to promote trade and economic relations between the two countries.