Denmark’s Commercial Counsellor Assar Naeem Qureshi.
Denmark’s Commercial Counsellor Assar Naeem Qureshi.

Outgoing Danish commercial counsellor Assar Naeem Qureshi said at a press gathering that he is proud of the increase in bilateral trade with Pakistan.

He said the Danish export of goods and services to Pakistan increased in 2016, as compared to the previous year, by 58pc. The sale of goods rose by around 70pc, and Pakistan’s export of goods increased by 28pc. Mr Qureshi said: “We are very proud of these figures.”

A Dane of Pakistani origin, Mr Qureshi said that in Pakistan he often has to explain that he is indeed Danish. “My wife is now Danish, but she was born in Pakistan and came to Denmark several years ago, and then back to Pakistan where I have served for three years,” he added.

He said: “When I return to Denmark, I will deal with trade and commerce but in another department. So I will only watch further development of trade with Pakistan from the sidelines.”

“I was the first commercial counsellor at the Danish Embassy in Islamabad. The embassy has given emphasis to the field for several years. Except for humanitarian aid, we have phased out development aid and give priority to trade, cultural cooperation and consular services,” Mr Qureshi said.

He added that there are about 30,000 Danes of Pakistani heritage and said: “Pakistan is a popular country in Denmark.”

“My successor, who has already been appointed, will come to a very interesting post in an important country with good staff members,” he said, looking at his immediate assistant Saleem Anwar. “Yes, it is true that local staff play an important role,” he added.

High tea was served in a reception room at the Danish ambassador’s new residence in Islamabad, although the envoy himself was on summer holiday.

“It is a lovely house,” said a guest. “Spacious but not large, and with a beautiful front garden and lawn,” she added.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2017

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