Islamabad: A delegation from the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) led by President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari had lunch at the residence of H.E. Per Albert Ilsaas, Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan, and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral business and investment cooperation.
Speaking to the group, H.E. Per Albert Ilsaas, Ambassador of Norway, stated that his country wishes to strengthen commercial connections with Pakistan since both countries have the potential to increase bilateral trade and conduct more business together. He stated that supporting the business community of both nations in engaging in trade and economic connections is a top goal for his Embassy. He stated that a Norwegian company has already inked an agreement to invest in solar and hydropower generation in Pakistan. He stated that Norway intends to increase collaboration with Pakistan in a variety of areas, including investment, shipping, climate change, renewable energy, and higher education. He stated that his Embassy would work with the business community to advance bilateral economic partnerships.
Speaking on the occasion, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that Pakistan and Norway have warm connections, which should be developed into thriving commercial and economic partnerships. He stated that the existing amount of bilateral trade is quite modest when compared to both countries’ actual potential. He stated that Pakistan is experiencing energy shortages and that Norway should increase its investments in Pakistan’s renewable and hydroelectric sectors to create inexpensive energy. He stated that the Embassy should work to strengthen business ties between the two countries.
Faad Waheed, Senior Vice President of ICCI, emphasized the potential for collaboration in the blue economy between Pakistan and Norway, which should be fully realized.
According to Khalid Iqbal Malik, Group Leader of ICCI, Pakistan and Norway have the potential to improve tourist collaboration, and both should expedite efforts to do so.
Zafar Bakhtawari, former President of the ICCI and Secretary General of UBG Pakistan, stated that Pakistan and Norway could collaborate in the seafood trade, information technology, alternative energy, pharmaceutical industry, and other areas to boost bilateral economic connections.
