ISLAMABAD: The Ambassador of Republic of Iraq to Pakistan, Dr. Rushdi Al-Ani on Wednesday said his country is ready to provide oil to Pakistan unconditionally so that this great country can cope with energy crisis.He said that Baghdad is eager to import technology, edibles, and medicines from Pakistan and want investment from Pakistani companies as the situation in his country has improved to a great extent.Talking to a delegation of women entrepreneurs led by Samina Fazil, President, Islamabad Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI), the Ambassador said that int’l media is intentionally painting gloomy picture of Pakistan to harass investors and isolate this great Islamic country.
Dr. Rushdi Al-Ani informed that Iraq imports over 40 million tons of cement, wheat, rice, sugar and other items from many countries but now it has been decided to make Pakistan a major trading partner.He said that Iraq offers tremendous investment opportunities in construction, manufacturing, education and other sectors which can also benefit Pakistani investors.While inviting Pakistan pharmaceuticals to Iraq, he said that only American and Indian medicine are available in his country.“I will personally facilitate Pakistani businessmen to get visa at the earliest,” he promised. Al-Ani said that he will help Pakistan’s business community in developing contacts in Iraq so that they can run the affairs smoothly.
The business women of the two countries should also establish links to enhance bilateral trade, he advised.At the occasion Samina Fazil and others expressed interest in exporting items concerning to health, agriculture, livestock, garments, jewellery, handicrafts, marble and granite and emphasized on joint ventures.They said that direct flights are imperative to accelerate the trade between the two countries.Samina said that private sectors of both countries should come forward to explore the opportunities of trade and investment and demanded removal of tariff and non-barriers.She stressed channelizing the trade related information and regular exchange of business delegations. – Brecorder
