Foreign Minster terms Pakistan-UK ties strong, friendly

 

LONDON: Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has termed her talks with Britain as useful and would further open avenues for strengthening their bilateral economic ties.
Addressing a gathering at a reception hosted in her honour by the High Commissioner of Pakistan in UK Wajid Shamsul Hassan here at the High Commission last evening she said her interaction has greatly helped establish better ties among the two friendly countries and covered every aspect of the bilateral relations.
The event included an Exhibition arranged by AHAN - Aik Hunar Aik Nagar, in which handicrafts and local products of various regions of Pakistan were displayed.
The Foreign Minister said tremendous investment opportunities were available both for British and Pakistani expatriates in Pakistan.
She said Pakistan has introduced business friendly policies and created conducive conditions for foreign investors. She mentioned the energy needs of the country and invited investments in this sector.
She said economic development was directly linked with the availability of additional energy sources for which the government was making all out efforts.
The Minister hoped AHAN initiative would help promote Pakistani handicrafts in the UK. She said such exhibitions also help to introduce the socio-cultural aspects of our society. She urged big businesses to help promote Aik Hunar Aik Nagar initiative as it would directly uplift the socio-economic status of the poor living in the rural areas of Pakistan.
Aik Hunar Aik Nagar (AHAN) is working as a non-profit company under the Ministry of Industries and Production. The concept of AHAN is based on OVOP (One Village One Product) model prevalent in Japan, Thailand and other far eastern countries.
AHAN takes various initiatives for rural micro and small enterprise modernization leading to creation and diversification of sustainable income earning opportunities.
Through such initiatives AHAN provides support to poor producer groups, craft persons and artisans. AHAN also facilitates them in product development, quality assurance, marketing and technological up-gradation.
AHAN seeks to modernize micro and small enterprises in rural and peri-urban areas through creation and diversification of sustainable income earning opportunities particularly for landless, women and wage earners.
Earlier while welcoming the Minister the High Commissioner said Pakistan-UK relations were an example of mutual understanding and trust.
He said Pakistan was appreciative of the UK's support for Pakistan in overcoming challenges in economic, trade, and education sectors. --APP