Consul for Political and Economic Affairs in the Russian Consulate Dmitry Petrov says there are immense trade opportunities between Pakistan and Russia. Banking channels and other issues are being resolved in promoting bilateral trade. He expressed these views while visiting the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI). President Faraz-ur-Rehman, Senior Vice President Nighat Awan, Vice President Muslim Mohamedi, Former President Masood Naqi, Russian Consulate Consultant Stanislav Toporov and other members were present at the ceremony.
Dmitri Petrov said that pharmaceutical products and medicines in Pakistan are of low price and quality internationally. Medicines which are available here at low cost are very expensive in Russia. He said that the volume of bilateral trade is very small. He further said that if KATI gives their written suggestions to the Russian Consulate, immediate action will be taken on them. Bilateral trade is possible in local currency; barter trade can also be promoted. An agreement has been signed for the supply of gas and petrol with Pakistan.
Earlier, KATI President Faraz-ur-Rehman said that Russia and Pakistan have friendly relations. The banking channel should be started immediately for bilateral trade. Russia has helped Pakistan on several occasions. In the past, Russia helped Pakistan in setting up steel mills. He said that there are opportunities for cross-border trade between Russia and Pakistan.
President KATI said that with the help of Russia, Pakistan could get out of the economic crisis. The trade of gas and petroleum products from Russia can be started immediately. Apart from this, trading of raw materials and machinery is possible.
Vice President and Deputy Chairman of KATI’s Standing Committee, Muslim Mohammadi, said that trading of raw materials and commodities is possible. After Ramadan, KATI’s trade delegation plans to visit Russia to find opportunities for trade promotion.
Former President Masoud Naqi said that the biggest obstacle to trade with Russia is the absence of banking channels, transportation and direct flights. He said there are problems in trade with Russia through Uzbekistan that need to be solved immediately. He further said that if banking channels are established, a great increase in bilateral trade is possible.
Photo Caption: KATI President Faraz-ur-Rehman presenting the shield to Dmitry Petrov, Consul for Political and Economic Affairs at the Russian Consulate, Nighat Awan, Muslim Mohamedi, Masood Naqi, Stanislav Toporov, Hisham A. Razak, Syed Wajid Hussain, Salman Sabri, Anwar Saeed, Nasir Sheikh, Aamir Yusuf and Umar Sun are present.