High Commissioner visits National Assembly for Wales
High Commissioner visits National Assembly for Wales, discusses trade and investment with Parliamentarians
H.E. Syed Ibne Abbas, Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK, visited the Welsh Senedd (National Assembly for Wales), in Cardiff on 27 July 2017. He met with Assembly Members from South Wales East, Mr. Mohammad Asghar AM and Mr. Mark Reckless AM.
During the meeting, the High Commissioner discussed trade and investment matters as well as potential areas for cooperation between Pakistan and the region of Wales particularly in agriculture, energy and education sectors. Towards this aim, he highlighted the importance of our community members as being instrumental in building bridges between Pakistan’s various regions and Wales.
The need to explore the huge scope for trade and investment in Pakistan was reiterated by the High Commissioner. He also extended an invitation to have a delegation of Welsh Assembly Members sent for a visit to get a firsthand experience in this regard.
The High Commissioner interacted with the local Welsh media as well. During his interview with the WalesOnline media group, he remarked that Pakistan was open for business and people should visit for themselves to explore the vast potential that exists and not be carried away by the wrong perceptions that are fed by certain media. He urged the youth amongst the different communities including British Pakistanis to get counted in the mainstream and play an active role in British society.
From the Welsh perspective, the High Commissioner identified the key areas where there is scope for mutually beneficial cooperation. These included agriculture, with dairy products as one sub sector, renewable energy projects, financial services sector, insurance services and collaboration of universities in Wales with Pakistani higher education institutions.
On regional politics in South Asia, The High Commissioner stressed on the need for greater connectivity in the region that is one of the most disconnected, on enhanced trade and good relations with neighbouring countries. Taking note of the relations between Pakistan and India, he emphasised upon talking to each other rather than talking at each other.
The High Commissioner also expressed hope that test cricket will soon return to Pakistan and expressed confidence that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will open new avenues for cricket in the country.
Afterwards, the High Commissioner also appeared at the BBC Wales Radio show, “Good Evening Wales” where he spoke about fostering trade and business relations between Pakistan and the UK.
He remarked that Pakistani markets have a lot to offer for Britain in the post Brexit period and British entrepreneurs can benefit in Pakistan to a large extent, particularly in light of the landmark China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects that are currently underway and can help regional trade and economic integration.
