SBI urges to boost Pak-Russia economic cooperation, trade

F.P. Report

KARACHI: Chairperson Sindh Board of Investment (SBI), Ms. Naheed Memon has emphasized the need to enhance economic, regional cooperation between Pakistan and Russia including boost to bilateral trade as there is long history of friendly relationship between the two countries.

Speaking at a meeting with business delegation from Saint Petersburg, Russia, here on Tuesday, Ms Naheed Memon said, “This is right time, Pakistan and Russian should increase their trade, investment, economic and regional cooperation.”

The Russian delegates represented 15 companies dealing in power, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, chemical, spare parts, metallurgical, textile especially polyester and yarn producers, engineering and aviation. They held B2B meetings with Pakistani counterparts to discuss in detail the possibilities of increasing trade and partnering in various potential sectors for good of both the countries. They also deliberated upon the changing regional and global scenes at regional and international levels.

The SBI Chairperson recalled that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government in Sindh had signed memorandum of understanding with Government of Saint Petersburg in October 2017 there.

The visit of this high profile delegation was the follow up of that MoU, she said.

Ms. Naheed Memon stressed that the world had entered the era of co-existence and cooperation. And, she said, regional trade blocks had emerged as very successful model of economic cooperation. She said Pakistan has adopted the policy of focusing on China, Central Asian States, Middle East and Africa after becoming a part of China’s global initiative “ One Belt –One Road” to find new markets and find potential international partners.

The Russian trade and investors delegation was likely to sign MoUs with different Pakistani organizations on Wednesday, the second day of its visit.