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PBPC Abu Dhabi acts as a bridge connecting trade communities in the UAE and Pakistan PBPC Abu Dhabi acts as a bridge connecting trade communities in the UAE and Pakistan

The Pakistan Business Professional Council (PBPC), Abu Dhabi, has played an important role in cementing relations between various trade bodies and business organisations, as well as the corporate and public-private sectors, between the two countries. While the UAE is home to more than a million Pakistani expatriates, the PBPC has harnessed a strategy to act as an apt coordinator for the welfare and development of the business community.
In an interview, President of PBPC, Abu Dhabi, Dr. S. Qaiser Anis spells out the salient features of his organisation's policy and how effective it has been in promoting trade relations and boosting cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE:
How successful has PBPC been in achieving its objectives in terms of furthering bilateral cooperation?
Since it was established 13 years ago, the Council has been very successful in achieving its objectives, especially between Abu Dhabi and Pakistan, and in this respect, we have entered six agreements from various organisations between two countries. In addition to this, we have a series of events in the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, organising events with the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Finance and Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange. We are at the forefront for the development of Abu Dhabi with our active Board and Members making Abu Dhabi as a business hub in the region.
What are the new trends in trade, and what new inroads have Pakistan made in the UAE market?
The UAE has emerged as one of Pakistan's major economic and trading partners. Trade between the UAE and Pakistan is already at a new high, as Pakistani companies focus on increasing their exports of products to the UAE.
The UAE has become the hub of investment, exports, technologies, tourism, renewable energies and real estate. A large number of Pakistanis are contributing to the UAE's economic boom.
Likewise, due to CPEC there are a lot of projects coming up with investments from the UAE, or as a joint venture, as this will be a win-win situation for both the countries.
Tell us about major import and exports, and which Pakistani industries have a potential to perform as Expo 2020 is around the corner?
The Expo 2020 is a great event, and we Pakistanis are proud that it is happening in the UAE. Pakistan is actively participating in the success of Expo 2020 and it will have its own pavilion, and showcase all its products to the world. We must say that this Expo 2020 will be a turning point in the economy of the UAE. The UAE's economy will be at its best in the world, and we are proud of the Rulers, their vision, and their efforts that have put Dubai on the world map.
What new hallmarks has PBPC set for the future?
PBPC Abu Dhabi is working together with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce promoting business activity in Abu Dhabi by identifying business potentials to the community, especially to Pakistanis and in general to everyone.
With the new plan announced for Abu Dhabi, where facilities have been given to the businessmen to work from home, there is a hype for new businesses. Also, they are providing many facilities to the existing businessmen so that they can maintain and enhance their business. The Council is appraising their members and the community to enhance the business.
Tell us about your members and what role they play for economic cooperation?
As a business and professional council, we have a team of professional businessmen as our members. They are all actively contributing business-wise and professionally to the economy of Abu Dhabi in particular, and the UAE in general.
PBPC has more than 200 professionals and corporate members, and this continues to grow. Through various events and initiatives, our members are able to grow professionally and personally.
They can visit our website at www.pbpcuae.org, go to the "Join us" tab and fill the membership form, or directly contact Ethyl Suriba at 050-1124267 or e-mail admin@pbpcuae.org
What is your vision to make PBPC more effective?
The council is looking for a great future with the new announcement by the Abu Dhabi government for businessmen. Moreover, Pakistan's new leader Imran Khan has pledged for a corruption-free country and we overseas Pakistanis are confident that he has the capacity to turnaround Pakistan. We overseas Pakistanis are proud of his leadership, as he has proved himself in one of the provinces, KPK, where he has been again voted with a two-third majority.
We are confident that he will restore the economic health of Pakistan, and all Pakistanis inside and outside will support him wholeheartedly.
My message on the Independence Day is that progress can be made in a peaceful environ. We are proud to celebrate the 71st Independence Day, as we have the strongest army in the region and are a nuclear power and with economic dynamism. We are proud of our people, who are hardworking and dedicated. Pakistan is always there to support each country in its economic welfare.
Executive Board of PBPC for 2016-2018 Term
Patron-in-Chief: HE Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan
President: Dr. S. Qaiser Anis
Executive Vice President: Riaz Malik
Vice President Legal and Coordination: Khalid Bashir
Vice President Finance: Ammar A. Sheikh
Vice President Membership: Muhammad Iqbal Nasim
Vice President Programme: Nayyer Hameed Malik
Board Member: Khan Zaman
Chairman: H.E. Moazzam Ahmad Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to UAE

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