Pakistan-Egypt relations are built on a strong foundation of common faith, cultural affinities, and aspirations and would grow further with the passage of time. Egypt has been a cradle of civilizations and world heritage and tourists from around the world visit this country to discover its beautiful places, scenes and sites. This has been stated by the Ambassador of Egypt, Dr. Ihab Mohammad Abdel Hamid Hassan during his meeting with Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry here at the Chamber House which was also attended by ICCI executives and members in large number. He said that fostering economic and business cooperation between the two countries require strategic efforts from both nations. Egypt's location makes it an ideal hub for Pakistani businesses to access African and Middle Eastern markets.

Pakistan can leverage Egypt's Free Zones and trade agreements with regional blocs and Western countries to increase mutually beneficial cooperation and dialogue between the two countries. The Ambassador underlined the need for initiating reciprocal exchange visits between the businessmen from both the countries to identify potential areas for mutually beneficial investment and trade adding that Egypt’s recent economic reforms, growth initiatives and investment incentives offer lucrative opportunities to Pakistani businessmen. He called on the business communities of the two countries to exchange delegations to strengthen bilateral economic trade and investment ties.

Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari while welcoming the honorable guest pointed out similarities between the two countries, especially in tourism saying that both Egypt and Pakistan are popular countries for tourism and the business community of both countries must play its due role in this regard. Bakhtawari also stressed the need to promote people-to-people contacts between the two nations for the promotion and strengthening of multilateral ties adding that direct air connectivity between the two countries will play a significant role in achieving this cherish goal.

Former President ICCI and Secretary General United Business Group ( UBG ) Zafar Bakhtawari while tracing the history of close relationship between the two countries highlighted its significance, added that hearts of people of both the countries beat together, therefore there is a dire need to enhance the existing strategic partnership. He said that Egypt can play a key role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian state because of its significance across the globe. He also presented his book’ Jehan Dost ‘comprising of his columns dealing with business, trade as well as the diplomacy to the Ambassador.

President elected ICCI Nasir Mansoor Qureshi emphasized the need for close liaison between the ICCI and Egyptian Chambers of Commerce and Industries for having more and more understanding regarding the business dynamics of both the countries by saying that Pakistan enjoys huge business and investment opportunities and the Egyptian investors should come forward and grasp them. Former President ICCI Mian Shaukat Masood by saying that IT is the future of the world stressed close coordination in the area between the two sides for the benefit of the people of two countries. On the occasion, presentations comprehensively showcasing the investment potential of Egypt and Pakistan were also given.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan