ISLAMABAD, JUNE 17 (DNA) – Emilian ION ambassador of Romania to Pakistan has said his country attaches great importance to relations with Pakistan and high level of exchange visits between the two countries clearly manifests this fact.The Romanian ambassador was speaking on the occasion of a Pakistan-Romania Business Forum held here on Wednesday.The Romanian ambassador further said, 50 years ago, Romania and Pakistan officially established diplomatic relations, at Embassy level. It was the start of a partnership which has proven over time that geographical distance and geopolitical differences could not affect what today is a traditional and friendly relationship between the two countries.
“I would like to point out just a few historical facts which underline the evolution of the bilateral ties:In the 70’s and 80’s, Pakistan imported Romanian know-how and technology. It is worth mentioning the contribution of Romanian engineers and specialists to the building of the National Oil Refinery in Karachi, and also to an important part of the Pakistani cement industry with the help with Romanian technology (Cement Plants in Kohat, Lasbella, as well as the Saadi – I, Saadi – II and Pakland projects)”.
There have been a number of high-level visits (Parliamentary, governmental) and also between Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Islamabad and Bucharest.
He said Pakistan is a very important partner in the region for my country, Romania, the 7th largest member of the European Union.
In my opinion, the current volume of trade does not reflect the real economic potential of our countries and both Embassies in Islamabad and Bucharest have to do more in this regard, he added.
The ambassador said, Romania is a key European Union country therefore it can help Pakistan to have access to EU markets.

He particularly mentioned visits of Chakwal and Sahiwal chamber of commerce and industry to Romania and termed the highly successful. These visits will definitely help promote bilateral relations between the two countries besides increasing trade and business volume.=DNA
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