'No substitute for Sialkot medical, sports products'

LONDON: Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK Dr Mohammad Faisal has said that there is no substitute for Sialkot medical equipment and sports products in the whole world.

The high commissioner's remarks came during his speech at the High Commission where a dinner reception was organised by the UK Pakistan Business Council in honor of the delegation of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry visiting the UK.

Pakistani High Commissioner Dr Faisal welcomed the Pakistani delegation to Britain. 

The Pakistan high commissioner said his officer would provide all facilities to the industrialists. He said that Pakistan's football was used in the recently held Football World Cup in Qatar which was made in Sialkot. He said: “It is a matter of great honour for Pakistan.”

The high commissioner added that the High Commission London wishes that Pakistan's institutions need to be organised and unified. He said that there is no substitute for Sialkot medical equipment in the whole world.

Atta Haq, President of UK Pakistan Business Council, said that Amazon is not available in Pakistan although it is very necessary and the need of the hour as it can set the wheel of economic development in motion. 

He said: “This will help Sialkot's exports of garments, sports and surgical instruments. This will help exports to increase. Minister Trade and Investment PHC Shafiq Shahzad is working very hard in this regard which is commendable. Business cooperation between Pakistan and England is very essential.”

The head of the delegation SCCI, Ikram ul Haq, said that the first delegation in the history of Sialkot has reached the UK. 

He said: “Overseas Pakistanis are our life. The delegation includes ten people who are related to sports, medical equipment, garments and leather industry. The Scottish band is completely manufactured in Sialkot and exported to the world. Sialkot products are exported to 140 countries.

Pakistan needs a stable government. Pakistan has always cooperated with every government for exports and trade volume between UK and Pakistan is very low which needs to be increased. Pakistani exports need to be expanded and the current visit will be of great benefit.”

Minister Trade and Investment Pakistan High Commission London Shafiq Ahmad Shehzad said that there are numerous opportunities for Pakistan to export sports goods. 

He said: “Investment in Pakistan should be ensured through. In this regard, the Pakistan High Commission will organize road shows and events of the Sialkot Chamber not only in London but also in other cities of the United Kingdom in which the exhibition of sports goods made in Pakistan and their purchase and sale will be ensured.”

Shafiq Shahzad said that the UK Pakistan Business Council is playing an important role in ensuring investment for the growth and prosperity of Pakistan which is commendable.

Lawyer and businessman Ansar Mehmood Chaudhary also expressed his views welcomed the Sialkot Chamber and assured all possible cooperation.

Ansar Mahmood said that if the Sialkot Chamber needs legal advice or assistance in any regard in the UK, the UK Pakistan Business Council will provide full support in this matter as well.