Australian High Commissioner discusses expanded bilateral trade, investment with RCCI leadership

RAWALPINDI, Aug 27 (APP): Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Timothy Kane paid an official visit to the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Thursday to discuss strategies for unlocking new opportunities across bilateral trade, investment, and people-to-people ties between the two nations.

Upon his arrival at the chamber premises, the High Commissioner was warmly welcomed by RCCI President Usman Shaukat alongside Vice President Fahad Barlas. Director Trade and Education Azhar Shah also attended the high-level meeting.

During the interactive session, President Usman Shaukat briefed the High Commissioner on RCCI’s major events, calendar of upcoming activities, and continuous efforts to promote trade, investment, and international business linkages. The RCCI President identified promising and significant opportunities for enhanced Pakistan-Australia cooperation across key sectors, including pharmaceuticals, information technology, gems and mining, agriculture and livestock, education, and vocational training.

Addressing the leadership of the chamber under the theme of unlocking new opportunities, High Commissioner Timothy Kane emphasized the long-standing people-to-people ties between Australia and Pakistan. He highlighted the vast potential for stronger bilateral collaboration in critical areas such as food security, water management, climate resilience, and education.

The High Commissioner noted that Australia currently has more than 22,000 active Pakistani student enrollments, which reflects strong educational and people-to-people connections between both countries. He also highlighted more than four decades of agricultural collaboration between the two nations, underscoring the depth and continuity of bilateral cooperation in this vital sector.