Business opportunities discussed as Chamber welcomes Rawalpindi

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) hosted the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce of Industry (RCCI) at the Pakistan-UK business opportunity conference, writes Feron Jayawardene.

The conference, happening for the fourth time, was held at Birmingham council house yesterday with the participation of Chamber patrons and more than 75 delegates from Pakistan.

RCCI president Saqib Rafiq welcomed the delegation to the event and speeches were given by Lord Mayor of Birmingham Maureen Cornish, leader of Birmingham city council Ian Ward, Commonwealth Chamber president Mark Smith, vice president of GBCC Dr.Nasir Awan, minister on trade and investment of Pakistan Shafiq Shahzad, Shehzad Chaudhary from the department for international trade, Chris Lau from West Midlands Growth Company and Mandy Haque from the GBCC.

President Saqib Rafiq said: “I acknowledge the good efforts of my predecessors for the betterment of the Chamber and their contribution to highlight the problems of the business community at all forums.

“I look forward to working with distinguished members, esteemed stakeholders, policy makers and well-wishers for the continuous development of the private sector of the country which will facilitate the pathway of prosperity, strengthen regional and global collaboration leveraging a new perspective for the development of the private sector. ”

GBCC vice president Nasir Awan said: “The synergy between Pakistan and the UK has been great and there is a great opportunity for both these countries to further strengthen their trade ties. ”

Mandy Haque, international director of the GBCC said: “I am delighted to represent the GBCC at this conference to a historic Chamber. The relationship we have with the Rawalpindi Chamber further cements our international links and we need to make sure to take action and have a positive outcome from these events.

“We want to see trade figures increase between our countries for both import and export and we look forward to welcoming you in the future. ”

Pictured from left to right: Commonwealth Chamber president Mark Smith, GBCC vice president Dr Nasir Awan, RCCI president Saqib Rafiq and international director of the GBCC Mandy Haque