Steps are being taken to develop the bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and France as PIA is about to take its international flights back to France. French ambassador Nicolas Galey complimented this as part of the restored interaction between the countries.
In a meeting with Sardar Zahoor Iqbal and the Chairman of the France-Pakistan Business Forum, Ambassador Galey pointed out the increasing diplomatic, economic, and even cultural twinning. He stressed the great potential in foreign investments within – such as dairy – within Pakistan which, according to APP, French experience would come in handy.
Ambassador Galey remarked on the role of the Pakistani community in France as well as the growing number of students from Pakistan heading to France for studies. He explained that the lowered bureaucratic layering has been adopted for issuing visas to better student exchange programs.
The creation of a France-Pakistan business forum was the key enabler to improve the trade links. Ambassador Galey appreciated the initiatives of the forum in bringing businesses together to enhance the economies of both countries.
Sardar Zahoor’s main proposal was to work on ways medium enterprises from France can set up businesses in Pakistan. He emphasized the need for assistance from the embassy and the government of Pakistan to make investors from France, who have assets in Pakistan, consider returning to Pakistan.
The talks also allowed us to look for ways how to apply French dairy technology in the sector. “Some costs can be improved without compromising quality by engaging French partners,” said Sardar Zahoor.
Ambassador Galey also expressed his hopes that the relationship between Pakistan and France will be stable noting that Pakistan has in one way or another played roles in the peace and security of regions. He mentioned that there are French companies that are investing in Pakistan and that there are also moves to boost private-sector collaboration.
The ambassador has also expressed great expectations of a ‘new spirit of cooperation’ as a result of meetings held between French President Emmanuel Macron with the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif. Sardar Zahoor shared the same sentiments stating that it was time for leaders on both sides to after having crossed the hurdles of history build new relationships. He also commended Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, the Pakistan Ambassador to France, for actively engaging in these efforts.
Both nations have been progressing positively, with future dialogues between the senior officials of the countries being anticipated. There are plans for President Macron to travel to Pakistan in 2025. Thanks to Sardar Zahoor for thanking the Ambassador for his active interest and dedication towards enhancing the relations.
The meeting was completed with an emphasis on strengthening the high-level interactions which are essential in realizing the mutual goals. The meetings held between Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and President Macron have started bearing fruits.
Led by President Haji Aslam and Chief Coordinator Mian Atiq, the France-Pakistan Business Forum does not intend to let the two countries remain apart. Their role seeks to improve business, culture, and public diplomacy relations.
The governments and the private sectors are revamping initiatives problem problem-solving to the issue in both Pakistan and France. Along with these endeavors, it is anticipated there would be an increase in economic exchanges, and even a rise in cultural interaction between the people of the two countries, hence a bilateral strong relationship would exist in the next years.