BRASÍLIA: Brazil is ready to extend cooperation to Pakistan in the renewable energy sector, Diplomat Claudio Lins has told the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Senior Vice President Almas Hyder, Vice President Nasir Saeed, former president Iftikhar Ali Malik, Executive Committee Members Amjad Ali Jawa, Mian Abdul Razzaq, Tariq Mahmood, Waqar Ahmed Mian and Brazilian Consul Mian Hassan Mansha attended the meeting.
“Brazil covers more than 42 percent of its energy needs through renewable sources and ready for knowledge sharing with Pakistan,” he told his audience. “Brazil has improved per hector yield through modern technology and double cropping and is also one of the largest exporters of poultry meat. Pakistani businessmen can take benefit from Brazilian expertise in these sectors.”
He also talked about the trade volume between his country and Pakistan, despite having various commonalities and good diplomatic relations. “The mutual trade volume in 2015 was hardly $369 million which does not match the potential exists in the two countries.” He said, “Brazil is looking for new trade partners in Asia while Pakistan products are best and can easily make their way in the Brazilian market.” He invited Pakistan businessmen to work for joint ventures with their Brazilian counterparts and also report their reservations to the Brazilian Embassy in Pakistan over tariff. Senior Vice President Hyder told his guest that the Brazil-Pakistan relations were characterised as friendly and co-operative and that the balance of trade had been in favour of Brazil.
“From 2013 to 2015, the two-way trade has surged from $227 million to $316 million. However, in contrast to that, Pakistan exports are falling in terms of value which contracted from $87 million to $56 million. We should work on ways to improve our trade and economic relations.” “The private sector of Pakistan can definitely take advantage of exporting to Brazil various types of consumer goods like ready-made garments, fabrics, knitwear, towels, leather and leather products, pharmaceutical and surgical instruments. Brazil offers a huge potential for exports of high quality footballs. Everyone knows that the game of football is very close to the hearts of Brazilian people. We can also supply agro products including rice, pulses, fruits and vegetables. For this, we need to work closely with your office to find the right partners.”
Former president Ali Malik called for business-to-business meetings between businessmen of the two countries. Consul Mansha then talked up the trade and economic relations. “Pakistan’s geographical location is very important and could be beneficial for the Brazilian investors.”