Mir Jam Kamal Khan underscores Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Australia

ISLAMABAD, May 03 (SABAH): Federal Minister for Commerce, Mir Jam Kamal Khan, graced the Australia Day in Spring 2024 celebrations as the chief guest. Neil Hawkins, the distinguished guests, and attendees gathered to commemorate the longstanding friendship between Australia and Pakistan.

In his opening remarks, Mir Jam Kamal Khan highlighted the deep-rooted friendly relations between the two nations, spanning political, economic, and defense sectors. He emphasized the significance of sports, particularly cricket, squash, and hockey, in fostering mutual recognition between Australia and Pakistan, noting Neil Hawkins’ enthusiasm for hockey.

Turning to bilateral ties, Commerce Minister underscored Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Australia, emphasizing mutual respect and cooperation. He praised Australia’s role as a development partner, especially in sectors such as agriculture and education. Addressing trade relations, Commerce Minister acknowledged the existing trade surplus enjoyed by Australia and emphasized the untapped potential for further collaboration. He outlined Pakistan’s major exports to Australia, including textiles, rice, surgical equipment, and steel products, while also noting recent increases in imports of Canola and other commodities from Australia. Proposing new steps to enhance cooperation, Mir Jam Kamal Khan called for intensified efforts to deepen agro-trade and urged the reduction of trade barriers. He highlighted the need for a level playing field in textiles and encouraged exploration of new avenues such as agro-tech industries and fruit exports.

Expressing gratitude for the Pakistani diaspora in Australia, Commerce Minister praised their contributions across various fields and commended the Australian Government’s recognition of their efforts. He also thanked Australia for offering scholarships to Pakistani students under various education schemes. In conclusion, the Commerce Minister extended his congratulations to Neil Hawkins and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the enduring friendship between the two nations. The event served as a testament to the strong ties and shared aspirations between Australia and Pakistan, marking another milestone in their bilateral relations.