ISLAMABAD, JAN 25 (DNA) – A delegation from Russia has invited Pakistan to participate in the Expo 2025 to be held in Yekaterinburg city. The team, led by Sverdlovsk Region Deputy Governor Alexander G Visokinskiy, was visiting the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI). Speaking on the occasion, Visokinskiy said that Russia has never hosted an expo before but it is now going to organise the World Expo 2025 for the first time.
He said that more than 140 countries will participate in the expo that would be the largest international event covering an area of 555 hectares. The deputy governor was of the view that the expo would provide a good platform for demonstration of technical, technological, industrial, cultural and social achievements.
“The expo would provide the Pakistani business community a good opportunity to demonstrate their quality products and enhance their business prospects,” he added.
“They would also be able to hold business negotiations and strengthen cooperation with international participants.”
Speaking to the delegation, ICCI President Sheikh Amir Waheed said that Pakistan and Russia enjoyed good relations, but bilateral trade volume of $500 million did not reflect the true potential between the two countries.
He said that both countries were conducting trade in limited items and they should focus on diversification to achieve mutually beneficial results. Waheed elaborated that Russia has good expertise in energy, engineering and other sectors and it could help Pakistan in many fields of the economy. He also highlighted the potential to develop strong defence cooperation between both the countries.
“Pakistan could provide Russia better market access to South Asia, Middle East, Africa and other countries. Similarly, Pakistan could achieve better market access to Central Asia through Russia. Close cooperation would be mutually beneficial for both.”
Talking about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the ICCI president said that CPEC has created great prospects and Russian investors should visit Pakistan to explore joint ventures and investment.
They could invest in Pakistan’s oil and gas, minerals and other sectors as well, the president added. He stressed that both countries should encourage frequent exchange of trade delegations and organise exhibitions on a reciprocal basis that would help in further improving bilateral trade and economic relations.
