Diplomatic relations with Pakistan deep rooted: Russian envoy

FAISALABAD, Feb 15 (APP)::Ambassador of Russian Federation Mr Alexey Dedov on Friday said the diplomatic relations between
Russia and Pakistan were deep rooted since 1948.
Addressing the business community at the Faisalabad
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) here Friday, he
said: “We have been contributing in a big way in
development of Pakistan. Pakistan Steel Mill and many
energy related projects were established with the Russian
cooperation.”
He said that around 200 joint ventures had so far been
completed in Pakistan in different sectors of the country,
including telecom, engineering and construction.
Responding to a question, he said:”We have to perform
within a given framework and try to provide conducive climate
to promote trade relations.”
He said:” Russian delegations generally visited
Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore, but we will try to arrange
their visit to Faisalabad.”
He also indicated that the business community of the two
countries should participate in intentional trade fairs and
exhibitions to cultivate direct relations with each other.
Russia was starting work on offshore gas pipeline in
Pakistan which would help resolve the energy problems
of upcountry areas, he said.
Regarding banking channels, he said:” We are trying to
streamline our banking system. However, Pakistani exporters
could manage their banking affairs through State Bank of
Russia to avoid any mishap.”
He added that a branch of National Bank of Pakistan has been
working in Masco since January 2018.
He asked the businessmen to point out specific custom
related problems so that these could be resolved at appropriate
forum.
Regarding visa, he said that generally the embassy issued
single or double entry visa while multiple visa was issued
only on the recommendation of Russian partner of the
applicant.
Earlier, in his address of welcome, President FCCI Syed
Zia Alumdar Hussain said that bilateral trade between the
two countries stood at 402.78 million dollars in 2017.
Pakistan made 144.71 million dollar exports while imports
from Russian Federation were 258.01 million dollars thus
balance of trade remained in favour of Russian Federation.
He invited the Russian investors to come here and exploit
the vast untapped potential of Punjab particularly in Faisalabad.
He also stressed the need for direct links between the business communities of the two countries and holding of single country exhibition on reciprocal basis to increase the trade volume.
A documentary about FCCI and Faisalabad was also screened
while President FCCI Syed Zia Alumdar Hussain presented FCCI
shield to Ambassador Mr. Alexey Dedov.
Mr Youri Kozlov Trade Representative of Russian Federation,
Miss Anna and Dr. Shahid Hasan also accompanied the ambassador.