Trade is on the rise

Trade between the two countries continues to expand further due to the government's endeavours to enhance the business climate

In an interview Dr. Syed Qaiser Anis, President of Pakistan Business Professional Council Abu Dhabi, says that Pakistan-UAE trade and business cooperation is at its best.
He said that we are proud to celebrate our 70th Independence Day in the UAE. "We are thankful to our ancestors who managed to secure Independence from the British Empire in the year 1947."
"This day also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices of those freedom fighters, self-sacrificing leaders and the unsung heroes who dedicated their lives to offer us and our future generations, the country where we can live with unity, and prosper and progress with dignity."
Excerpts of the interview:

Do you think the geographical proximity is an added benefit ?in ushering joint business ?ventures? What is the volume of investments in the last ?five years?
The UAE-Pakistan ties are as strong as ever, and the extremely close and fraternal relations are deep-rooted in cultural affinities, shared faith as well as geographical proximity. This can be demonstrated by bilateral trade and cooperation in various fields.
Over the past five years, the UAE has been in top five of Pakistan's trading partners. Trade between the two countries continues to expand further due to the government's endeavours to enhance the business climate, trade regime, and public sector enterprises in order to increase foreign and domestic private investment.

What is the focus of PBPC Abu Dhabi in broadening its role as a trade advisory body?
PBPC Abu Dhabi strives in supporting and facilitating investments and business-to-business relationships to enhance trade and business between the two countries.
In the past 12 years, PBPC Abu Dhabi arranged numerous signings of Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) between the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan entities. We have facilitated signing of agreements between the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange (ADX) with Karachi Stock Exchange, Lahore Stock Exchange, and Central Depository Company of Pakistan. Also, facilitated signing of agreements between Dubai Financial Market with Karachi Stock Exchange, Lahore Stock Exchange, and Central Depository Company of Pakistan.
In January, we hosted a seminar with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry to highlight opportunities of business and investment in Pakistan -attended by government officials, ambassadors, commercial counsellors, business council's presidents, managers, businessmen and potential investors. Also, we are working with Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange, Masdar, Zonescorp and Dubai Freezone to boost trade between the two countries, by providing their advantages and opportunities to Pakistani investors and companies.

Tell us about the number ?of members in the council; what is UAE's policy for furthering bilateralism?
PBPC Abu Dhabi has more than 200 Professional and Corporate members and this continues to grow. Through our various events and initiatives our members are able to grow professionally and personally.
We have seen high growth towards economic progress in all sectors, especially in poverty reduction for which we are thankful to the leadership and the team members.

• Pakistan