Rawalpindi (Agencies): The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) hosted the Belgium Business Contact Day and Catalogue Exhibition at the Chamber House on Monday. The event, aimed at strengthening economic ties and fostering collaboration between Pakistan and Belgium, was inaugurated by Charles-Idesbald Van Der Gracht De Rommerswael, Ambassador of Belgium to Pakistan.
In his keynote address, the ambassador emphasized Belgium’s commitment to enhancing investment and cooperation in various sectors in Pakistan. “There is immense potential for collaboration in education, agriculture, textiles, and other sectors,” he stated, noting the need to reverse the decline in bilateral trade from $1.09 billion in 2022-23 to $872.4 million in 2023-24.
The ambassador called for concrete efforts such as B2B meetings, joint ventures, and single-country exhibitions to boost trade volumes and unlock new opportunities. He also commended Pakistan-Belgium trade relations and reiterated Belgium’s support for Pakistan in securing the GSP Plus status. Agriculture, textiles, and precious stones were identified as priority sectors for joint ventures, and he urged both countries to enhance student exchange programs.
Usman Shaukat, President of RCCI, acknowledged Belgium as a vital trading partner in the European Union and discussed RCCI’s recent initiatives and future plans to promote trade and investment opportunities. He expressed RCCI’s commitment to fostering public and private-sector partnerships and continuing collaboration with the Belgian Embassy.
The event saw attendance from notable figures, including Khalid Farooq Qazi, Senior Vice President; Fahad Barlas, Vice President; Laurent de Greef, First Secretary – Political; Gilles Hachez, First Secretary – Consular; Trade Commissioner Abid Husain; and Commercial Officer Shaukat Niazi. RCCI Executive Committee Members, women members, and other distinguished guests were also present.
The Catalogue Exhibition featured resources such as books, magazines, and trade directories, highlighting sectors like tourism, education, agro-food processing, chemicals, surgical instruments, paper products, dairy, and renewable energy. Visitors explored new avenues for growth and mutual cooperation through these exhibits.