Although the trade balance between Pakistan and Switzerland was largely in favor of his country, Switzerland’s Ambassador Bénédict de Cerjat said that trade can not be one way, because it works well when everyone earns profits, Pakistan needs to concentrate more on improving its exports to Switzerland.
“Although it is not my job to increase Pakistan’s exports to Switzerland as it is purely the role of Pakistan’s Ambassador yet I can help and contribute because at the end of the day, if you export more textiles, we will also be able to export more Swiss machinery that would not only improve your productivity but also create a win-win situation for both the friendly countries” he added during the exchange (KCCI).
He noted that the output of the textile sector in Pakistan was very interesting. He said it was very important for him to visit KCCI, as it represents Karachi, the country’s economic and financial center, while Pakistan, with a population of 220 million, which is twice the population of Switzerland, can offer Swiss companies a range of trade and investment opportunities.
He claimed that countries around the world were struggling because of the situation of Covid-19 and hoping for a reset to normal economic life, but the economic performance of Pakistan was relatively good compared to many other countries where the growth rate fell all the way down to minus 10 percent.
“Although the Swiss Consulate in Karachi was closed two years ago due to fiscal reasons but a very vibrant platform of Swiss Business Council was available in Karachi which is doing good work and even, I rely a lot on the figures being released by them.”Although the Swiss Consulate in Karachi was closed two years ago for fiscal reasons, there was a very vibrant Swiss Business Council platform in Karachi that does a good job and I rely a lot on the figures they release.
Although welcoming the Swiss Ambassador, KCCI President M Shariq Vohra pointed out that Pakistan and Switzerland share a cordial and balanced bilateral relationship focused on cooperation in various economic spheres. He said there is potential for Swiss entrepreneurs to continue investing in Pakistan on a 100% equity basis or as joint ventures with local industries, though Pakistan can benefit greatly from Swiss expertise in the fields of oil, mining, agriculture and equity.
In particular, the President of KCCI noted that cooperation in the supply of raw materials and finished products to the fertilizer, chemical and pharmaceutical industries in Pakistan was also possible, while crafts, shoes, precious stones and metals were also considered to be important sectors in order to increase Pakistan’s exports to Switzerland.
KCCI SVP M Saqib Goodluck, Vice President Shamsul Islam Khan, Chairman Junaid Mundia, Chairman of the Diplomatic Missions & Embassies Liaison Subcommittee, former Chairman Majyd Aziz and members of the Managing Committee were also present.