ON BOARD PRESIDENT'S AIRCRAFT, Nov 27: President General Pervez Musharraf flies into Latin America on Saturday on a week-long visit to Brazil, Argentina and Mexico to forge a strong relationship with the important regional countries with a thrust on exploring possibilities for increased trade and economic cooperation.

President Musharraf is the first Pakistani leader to pay bilateral visits to these countries and his visit is expected to be an important milestone towards enhancing the country's political and economic relations with South America.

"We want to impart impetus to our trade with the strong Latin American countries with a particular focus on joint ventures in potential areas," Chairman of Export Promotion Bureau Tariq Ikaram said on Saturday.

Pakistan's exports to the three countries have seen an upturn in recent years but currently hover around a modest level of $60 million, far below the vast existing potential.

According to Tariq Ikram Pakistan is eying for a decent increase in its exports to fast-expanding South American nations with an estimated target of 20 to 30 million US dollars surge in the next few years.

The promising sectors of bilateral cooperation include carpet, rice, sports equipment, sportswear, surgical goods, sugar, fertilizer plants etc.

Under President Musharraf, Pakistani exports have almost doubled in the five years from $7.8 billion to around $13 billion.

In addition to Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan and Minister of State for Privatization, a strong group of businessmen is included in the president's delegation.

"Our objective is to diversify market access for our businessmen," says Ikram.

Officials said that in view of rapid globalization, Pakistan felt it was important to improve and consolidate its political and economic relations with the Latin American countries.-APP