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FAISALABAD, Dec 02 (APP):Ambassador of Denmark in Pakistan, Ms. Maja Mortensen, said the Danish government will assist Pakistan in adopting environment-friendly technologies while also giving a significant boost to bilateral trade.
Addressing the business community during a meeting at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), she highlighted that Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance (DSIF) has already provided an €183 million interest-free loan to build a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant in Faisalabad.
She emphasized that Pakistan and Denmark enjoy cordial diplomatic relations, with several Danish companies already operating in Pakistan, and that more businesses would be encouraged to establish themselves, particularly in Faisalabad. The Ambassador also shared that she will visit Karachi next week to engage directly with the business community and further promote bilateral trade.
Earlier, FCCI President Farooq Yousaf Sheikh welcomed the Ambassador, briefing her about Faisalabad and the chamber. He noted that FCCI has 12,000 members and ranks among the top three chambers in Pakistan. Highlighting Faisalabad’s contribution to national exports, he said textiles lead Pakistan’s exports, with 60% share exclusively from Faisalabad.
Sheikh shared trade statistics, stating that bilateral trade volume reached USD 286 million last year. Pakistan’s major exports to Denmark include textiles, garments, sports goods, and leather products, while imports from Denmark consist mainly of machinery, equipment, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. He appreciated Denmark’s global leadership in clean and renewable energy technologies, noting that Danish investment could significantly support Pakistan in adopting sustainable technologies.
The FCCI President stressed the importance of strengthening business-to-business linkages through trade delegations and joint exchange programs. He also highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, noting recent torrential rains and devastating floods that severely impacted the economy. He urged the international community, especially Denmark, to play a more active role in mitigating the suffering of affected communities.
Prior to the interactive session, a documentary film on Faisalabad was screened. Participants in the Q&A session included Engineer Bilal Jamil, Waheed Khaliq Ramay, and Muhammad Ali. Senior Vice President FCCI Naveed Akram Sheikh offered a vote of thanks, while President Farooq Yousaf Sheikh presented Ambassador Maja Mortensen with a special collar pin marking 50 years of services to the Faisalabad business community and a commemorative shield.
The meeting was also attended by Vice President FCCI Engr. Asim Munir, Mr. Aslam Pervaiz, and Mr. Babar from the Denmark Embassy. Later, Ambassador Mortensen recorded her remarks in the FCCI Visitor’s Book.