Commerce Minister Pervaiz Malik meets UK Minister Greg Hands

LONDON, Apr 19 (APP):Federal Commerce Minister Muhammad Pervaiz Malik Wednesday called on British Minister of State for trade policy, Greg Hands and discussed ways for enhancing bilateral trade between Pakistan and the United Kingdom (UK).
Pervaiz Malik is visiting London from April 15 to 19, in order to represent Pakistan in the “Commonwealth Business Forum” which is an integral part of Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2018.
According to a statement issued here by Pakistan High Commission, he held important meetings with Greg Hands and Trade Envoy for Pakistan, Rehman Chishti during his visit.
The Commerce Minister was accompanied by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to UK, Syed Ibne Abbas.
The commerce minister thanked British government for their support in securing GSP plus status with EU and asked for a closer post Brexit trade relations.
Hands assured Pakistan’s Commerce Minister that Pakistan would get more generous market access in UK as compared to the access which it currently enjoys under GSP Plus regime.
He also assured to work with Pakistan to promote it as a safe destination for British Investment.
Pervaiz Malik also invited Hands to visit Pakistan which he accepted.
Apart from this meeting, the commerce minister attended “Asia Leaders Roundtable Conference” and “Fashion and Textile Event” under Commonwealth Business Forum where he effectively projected the success which Pakistan is making on the economic front.
Pervaiz Malik also met with Prince Andrew, Duke of York at St. James Palace.
On the occasion, both the leaders acknowledged close relations between the two countries and agreed to cement them further.
It is important to note that Commonwealth countries represents about one third of global population having a combined GDP of US$ 10 Trillion which offers immense opportunities in Trade and Investment which Pakistan is keen to exploit in order to boost its exports and create employment opportunities.