member Lahore Chamber of Commerce (LCCI) trade delegation to the Kingdom Sunday brought new business and investment opportunities to enhance the trade between the two countries. The delegation, consisting of different trade sectors such as auto parts, textiles, construction, manpower services, livestock and fruits, pumps and agriculture implements and chemicals, held several meetings with businessmen and members of Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Makkah and Jeddah, respectively, during their visit Sunday. Tahir Javaid Malik, former senior vice president of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce (LCCI) and leader of the delegation, said that he wants to build trust and confidence of the Saudi traders and investors in their Pakistani counterparts where a large number of genuine and potential firms and business concerns enjoy the economies of high scale. “In spite of the recession, during the last year, his firm has shown 40 percent increase in business with the leading car manufacturing companies in Europe and other developed countries,” said Javaid. “We will hold crucial meetings and also would request the chamber to showcase their products through their publications and personal contacts,” he added. The Makkah and Jeddah Chambers of Commerce are the premium source of business and they have given them all the support to increase the businesses between the two countries. “We have rich minerals. Carpets and textiles, a lot of commodities that we can send over here; we also have fashion shoes for ladies, clothes and other things, we just need to explore the market,” he said. Mustafa A.K. Sabri, the secretary general of JCCI, welcomed the delegation at Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and showed interest and full support of the JCCI. Mustafa said that the trade between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is less than the expectations and there is lot of opportunities to enhance and increase the trade between the two countries in different sectors. “Our export increased 20 percent in Saudi Arabia and we are very optimistic and hopeful that in upcoming years it will increase more. These are very good indicators. Our embassy and consulate are very active and helping our businessmen in every means to increase the relationship between the two countries,” said Sarfraz Ahmed, Commercial Counselor at the Pakistani Consulate.
