Pakistan Business Council: Connecting trade barons in Dubai

The potential for business and investment between Pakistan and the UAE is enormous. Both governments, as well as trade bodies, have closely interacted for the last many decades to cement a relationship that is based on mutual confidence and accessibility. Close geographic proximity as well as an enterprising expatriate community helps buoy their economic relationship. 
Excerpts of an interview with Ahmed Shaikhani, President of Pakistan Business Council - Dubai: 
What is the volume of economic interaction between the two countries?
Frequent high-level exchanges and bilateral consultations between the two countries are reflective of the fact that Pakistan and the UAE have laid strong foundations of mutually beneficial relations, friendship and peaceful cooperation over the years. The UAE has emerged as one of Pakistan's major economic and trading partners. A large number of Pakistani expatriates in the UAE have contributed in a significant manner to promote bilateral understanding and the economy of Pakistan through their home remittances. The UAE also has a long cricket relationship with Pakistan, serving as a home ground for the Pakistan cricket team for the past few decades.
The volume of trade between the two countries is valued at $9 billion as of 2014. There is a vast potential to enhance trade and business relations between the two countries. Pakistan's exports to the UAE reached $1.75 billion in 2014, representing 7 per cent of Pakistan's total exports. Food and textile top the list of exports commodities. Pakistan's imports from the UAE stood at $7.3 billion in 2014, with oil and gold topping the list of products. 
What sectors of the economy, according to you, have a major potential for exports from Pakistan? 
The scope of trade between the two countries is enormous. Some of the basic items are vegetables, fruits, meat, poultry, rice, engineering and electrical products, textiles and information communication technology products from Pakistan.
Rice remains Pakistan's leading food export to the UAE. According to TDAP figures, Pakistan's rice sales jumped
11 fold to $207.8 million compared to the last two years. 
Meat and processed frozen food exports crossed the $100 million mark in the last three years. Similarly, fruits and vegetables exports increased over 100 per cent in the last three years. Dry fruits are also in high demand in the UAE, and the volume of business for dry fruits and vegetables rose to $9.7 million and $7.8 million, respectively.
Exports of potatoes reached $5.9 million last year - an eight-fold increase compared to 2012 figures, while fresh and frozen meat exports crossed the $50 million mark.
What are the objectives of PBC? 
Our prime objective is to promote trade, commerce and investment between the two countries. We facilitate businessmen who are interested in investing in Dubai and other free zones in the UAE in all possible ways by providing them information in various avenues. 
We also introduce Pakistani products to business houses in the UAE, especially in Dubai for investment and for joint venture in Pakistan. Organising exhibitions in Dubai for promoting Pakistani products is another salient feature. At the PBC Dubai exhibit, chamber members can participate and display their products. 
How many members do you have, and what is the membership procedure? 
The Pakistan Business Council registered members are 500, and we represent more than 3,000 businesses in the UAE. It's very easy to become a PBC member: just log on to: www.pbcdubai.ae
Go to 'Join us' tab and fill the membership form, or you can also contact Ellanie Villena on her cell 056-1093017 or e-mail: secretary@pbcdubai.com
- mehkri@jkhaleejtimes.com