Senate Secretariat
CHAIRMAN SENATE SEEKS ENHANCED MARKET ACCESS AND ENERGY SECTOR INVESTMENT
Islamabad: 27th April, 2012
Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari has said that Pakistan and Poland enjoy close and cordial relations that are marked by convergence of views on issues of mutual interest. “Enormous potential exists to further strengthen our relations in various fields including trade, investment, defence, science and technology and people to people contacts”. He was expressing these views in a meeting with Ambassador of Poland Dr. Andrzej Ananicz at Parliament House today.
The Polish Ambassador while talking about Pakistan-Poland relations told the Chairman that this year we are going to celebrate 50th anniversary of establishment of our diplomatic relations and this is a special occasion to commemorate our history ties. Dr. Andrzej also informed the Chairman that Polish Parliamentary delegation is going to visit Pakistan very soon and reciprocating it with Pakistan’s Parliamentary delegation will prove to be very fruitful for enhancing understanding and cooperation.
Chairman Bokhari said that there should be frequent exchanges of Parliamentary and other delegations from different spheres of life for increasing cooperation and assistance to each other for mutual benefit. He expressed satisfaction on the presence of Pak-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Groups in their respective Parliaments which should play their role actively.
The Chairman also emphasized the need for enhancing bilateral trade volume and increasing investment particularly in energy sector to help resolving the current energy crisis in the country.
The Ambassador told the Chairman that Pak-Poland trade volume has crossed over US $ 100 million in 2010-11 which has almost tripped over the last 4 years but potential for further increase definitely exists. He apprised the Chairman regarding usage of coal and shale gas by utilization of latest technologies for generation of electricity. Poland gets 80% of its electricity from coal and Pakistan has enormous coal reserves which can be used to generate gas and electricity. He offered his assistance in this capacity.
While talking about terrorism the Chairman said Pakistan has rendered great sacrifices for sake of world peace and regional peace and stability. In this hour of need Pakistan requires support of his European friends as well. EU should provide free market access to Pakistani products.
The Ambassador told Chairman Bokhari that the world acknowledges Pakistan’s sacrifices and EU will remove custom duties on textile products from Pakistan by July in the first phase. He also told the Chairman the EU countries including Poland are already assisting in IDP resettlement/rehabilitation at various places in Pakistan which were displaced due to war on terror. He told the Chairman that tourism can flourish in Pakistan with improving security situation, facilitating tourists and improving communications networks.
Talking about recent Supreme Court verdict against Prime Minister, the Ambassador said avoiding clash between different institutions for the sake of state and people is right way to move forward.
The Chairman Bokhari told that this is the first time in history of Pakistan that we have long serving Prime Minister and we are in process of strengthening democracy and democratic institutions and continuity of democratic process will ensure political stability, lasting progress and ultimate prosperity for the people of Pakistan.
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