KARACHI, April 13: Pakistani entrepreneurs are interested to set up spinning units in Mauritius as joint ventures to assist in development of textile industry there, says FPCCI Vice-President Zubair Malik.
Addressing the 2nd meeting of Pakistan-Mauritius Joint Business Council (JBC) Mr Malik said Pakistan’s textile sector was ready to cooperate with Mauritius for upgrading their textile units as Pakistan had advanced skill and technology.
He emphasised the need for a joint training program for the Mauritius workers associated with the textile industry, said a statement issued by the FPCCI on Thursday.
He said that the JBC under the aegis of FPCCI and the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry was proving very helpful in strengthening their bilateral relations which would ultimately benefit the business community of both the countries. There was a huge business potential between the two countries that needed to be exploited, he added.
The FPCCI vice president suggested that the trade volume between the two countries, which is presently very low, should be increased.
He said there had been intensive interaction between both the countries on public and private sector levels, and there had been a fruitful exchange of information leading to considerable progress on the PTA. This agreement would focus on tariff liberalisation and identify a list of tradable products.
Malik pointed out that Mauritius was rich in sugar production which could help overcome the shortage of sugar in Pakistan.
The JBC discussed the possibility of exporting sugar to Pakistan and gaining market access for export of seasonal food products and textiles.
Yousuf Salemohamed, Co-Chairman Pakistan Mauritius JBC emphasised the need for concrete steps for promotion of bilateral trade. He said Mauritius itself was a very small market but Pakistan could make use of its geographical location.
He suggested that Pakistan could use Mauritius as a gateway to the African region by using its potential and infrastructure and the existing warehousing facilities.
He said Mauritius was interested in procurement of cotton products, rice and wheat from Pakistan. He said that avenues of cooperation could be explored in sectors like jewellery and gem stones, textile and clothing, exploration of marine resources and development of agro industry.
Potential for cooperation also existed in the services Sector, particularly in tourism and related fields. He informed the meeting that the trade between the two countries had so far been in Pakistan’s favour. Mauritius imports to Pakistan amounted to $1.1m last year while exports from Pakistan stood at $32m.
The main items of imports from Pakistan included rice, fruits, cotton yarn, cotton cloth, cotton fabrics, denim, footwear etc. While exports to Pakistan included bed-spreads, steam vapour turbines, printed paper or paper board labels and white spirit, he said.
The JBC agreed to establish a mechanism to deal with non-tariff barriers. It also decided that FPCCI would look into the possibility of holding Pakistan’s solo exhibition in Mauritius. The next JBC would be held in Port Louis, Mauritius.—APP
