LAHORE: Brazil meets more than 42 per cent of its energy needs through renewable sources and is ready to share knowledge with Pakistan, said Brazil Ambassador Claudio Lins on Monday.

Speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday, he said that Brazil was ready to extend cooperation to Pakistan in the renewable energy sector.

Brazil has also had success in improving per hectare yield through modern technology and double cropping and is also one of the largest exporters of poultry meat.

Lins encouraged Pakistani businessmen to benefit from Brazilian expertise in these sectors. Brazil is now the ninth biggest economy of the world with a GDP of $1.7 trillion. He said that despite having various commonalities and good diplomatic relations, trade volume between Brazil and Pakistan is meagre.

He said that mutual trade volume in 2015 was hardly $369 million, which is way below the potential that exists.

“Brazil is looking for new trade partners in Asia while Pakistani products are of good quality and can easily make their way into the Brazilian market”, added the Brazilian envoy.

LCCI Senior Vice-President Almas Hyder said that Brazil-Pakistan relations are friendly and cooperative. Although trade figures do not match the actual potential of trade, they are following an upward trend; the two way trade has surged from $227m in 2013 to $316m in 2015.

However, Pakistani exports have fallen in terms of value from $87m to $56m in the given period.

Almas Hyder said that the private sector of Pakistan can definitely take advantage of exporting various types of consumer goods like ready-made garments, fabrics, knitwear, towels, leather and leather products, pharmaceutical, surgical instruments etc to Brazil.

He highlighted the huge potential that the country offers for the exports of high quality footballs made in Pakistan.

“We can also supply agro products including rice, pulses, fruits and vegetables etc. For this, we need to work closely with your office to find the right partners.” said the LCCI Vice-President.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2016