RAWALPINDI, DEC 01. (DNA) – Pak-Spanish business day was observed at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) here on Thursday. Spanish envoy Carlos Morales who was the chief guest on the occasion said his country is dedicated to increase trade relations with Pakistan and could

provide assistance in energy sector in Pakistan especially in renewable and alternate energy resources like wind, solar and hydro as country is facing immense energy crisis. He said that this is my third visit to chamber and I feel Pakistan as my second home. He appreciated the role of RCCI in boosting trade activities in the region.

He said despite Britain exit from European Union, Spain gives great importance to Pakistan for its trade relations and there is an equal opportunity for Pakistan to capture European trade markets. The ambassador informed the members that tourism now turned into an

industry and it covers 11 percent of its GDP so there was a need to explore this area and Pakistan could take a huge benefit from it. He further added that his embassy would be in touch with the chamber to increase the bilateral ties and bridge the gap between the business

communities of the both countries. Business to Business meetings and exchange of trade delegates is very important to strengthen the trade ties between the two countries. Spain has a fastest growing economy and it is among the 10th largest investors in the world, he added.

Earlier the Ambassador was welcomed by RCCI President Raja Amer Iqbal. A brief presentation on RCCI current activities and upcoming events was shown to the Ambassador. The Spanish envoy thanked the chamber president and members for inviting him and said that Spain

always get an overwhelming response from Pakistani business community and his country is eager to increase the trade volume in Sports goods, surgical instruments, Poultry, agro, engineering, textile, gem and jewellery, leather and marble sector. Raja Amer Iqbal said that

South Asia, China, India, and central Asian countries covered half of the world’s total population. Keeping in mind, the consumer market, this area offered attractive opportunities for foreign investors. The bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Spain is just 900 million

dollars and this has to be increased, RCCI president urged. The ambassador paid a huge compliment to the RCCI on its efforts and dedication to promote business and commerce through the exchange of visits and expos between the two countries. Senior vice president

Rashid Waien, Group leader Sohail Altaf, former presidents, members of the executive committee, among others, was also present at the occasion. In the end a memento was presented to the Spanish envoy.=DNA

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