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Austria offers assistance in energy ,tourism

KARACHI: Austria is in a position to supply modern technology and help promote energy and tourism sectors of Pakistan.

The leader of Austrian Trade Mission to Pakistan, Dr G. Kernthaler, said here on Monday.

In a meeting with the President of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Amjad Rafi, he said that his country was already assisting Pakistan in the improvement of Railway system.

Dr Carl de Colle, Austrian Trade Commissioner to Pakistan, was also present on the occasion.

The leader of the delegation agreed with the President of the Chamber that the volume of trade between Austria and Pakistan was insignificant.

Dr G. Kernthaler stated that due to historical reasons, Austria, being a member of European Union and a land-locked country, had more trade with European Union countries as well as with the countries of East Europe.

He, however, said that there is ample scope of export for textile and leather goods from Pakistan and the only criteria was the quality of the products.

The leader of the Mission said that Pakistani mango juice was second to-none in its taste which could be exported to Austria.

He remarked that due to limited market of about eight million population, the volume of imports could not be increased beyond a limit.

The mission Chief observed that in view of the appreciation of dollar in terms of euro, the European economy has been experiencing some problems, although the volume of export was showing upward trends.

Dr Carl de Colle, Austrian Trade Commissioner, on a suggestion, agreed to organise a catalogue exhibition of Pakistani products in Austria and provide space free of charge.

Earlier, President of the Chamber, drew the attention of the leader of the Mission and Trade Commissioner to the low volume of trade and to adopt measures for the promotion of two-way trade. He suggested setting up of joint ventures, especially in the field of petro-chemicals, electrical machinery, telecommunication appliances, etc. "Likewise, there was ample scope of exporting Pakistani handicrafts, mangoes, ready-made garments to Austria in a big way", he suggested.

Amjad Rafi offered that the Chamber's auditorium could be utilised for holding the catalogue exhibition of Austrian products. Similarly, he suggested to organise a mango show and catalogue exhibition of Pakistani products in Austria in May. APP