USAID to help RCCI in enhancing exports to Afghanistan, CARs

RAWALPINDI Nov 30 (APP): USAID will assist Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) for promoting exports to Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics (CARs) under an agreement signed here Monday.
The agreement was signed here by the USAID-Pakistan Regional Cooperation Economic Integration Activity (PREIA) head Donal Cotter and RCCI President Mian Humayum Pervez.Appreciating the role of USAID for promotion of numerous sectors
in Pakistan, Mian Humayun said the signing of trade promotion document
would go a long way in facilitating Pakistani entrepreneurs to boost
their exports to Afghanistan and the Central Asian States.
“If we are able to overcome trade barriers with these economies
and are well versed with the existing opportunities, we can enhance the level of trade to a great extent,” he said.
He pointed out that at present the country’s exports to Afghanistan
and Central Asian Republics was not more than 5 % of the total exports. There existed huge scope to increase exports as there was great demand for Pakistani products.
Under the agreement, he said, the RCCI would jointly organize
training sessions of local businessmen on how business opportunities
with regional nations can be materialized. Through these sessions the
trade associations, logistic companies, business associations, public
sector organizations and regional counterparts would be able to gain knowledge on ways to proceed for business activities at the regional
evel, he added.
Later talking to APP, the RCCI President highlighted the need for
a goods quality assurance body which would ensure that products being exported completely match with importers’ need. “For the purpose, the
public sector organizations may come forward and suggest remedial
measures so that no sub-standard product is exported,” he said.
“If done so, it will not only help earn a good name for our country
but also help boost the exports,” he said
Director General Trade Development Authority (Ministry of
Commerce) Robina Tofiq, in her remarks, welcomed the agreement and
expressed the hope that both stakeholders would follow the set
principles for promoting trade.
She offered assistances for promotion of trade between Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Central Asian States.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by traders, businessmen and
RCCI office-bearers.

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