On the picture H.E. Ambassador Moazzam Ahmad Khan with guests.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
After the launch of the Ned-Pak Business Facilitation Forum in December 2015, the Forum convened for its first official meeting that was held on March the 18th 2016 on the lawns of the recently renovated (subsidiary) Pakistan House.
As an introduction, H.E. Ambassador Moazzam Ahmad Khan interestingly recounted the history of the mansion at 3, Plein 1813, which since the early 1950’s has always been the official residence of Pakistani Ambassadors to the Netherlands. However the previous owners of this incredible mansion included the Chinese government and the Dutch Royal family.
Guests were cordially welcomed by the Commercial Counselor to the Pakistani Embassy in The Hague, Mr. Zahid Ali Abbasi. However it was H.E. Mr. Moazzam Ahmad Khan, the Pakistani Ambassador in The Hague, who began the first official Ned-Pak meeting, where in his address he discussed topics including:
How might one perceive Pakistan as a destination for investment. Khan drew attention to the country’s easily accessible geographical location, highlighting how Pakistan is the gateway to central Asia and the Middle East. He also mentioned the huge economic powers neighboring Pakistan such as, China, Iran, India and others. Pakistan’s growth is also key to note, as it has the sixth largest population in the world, with 200 million people and a middle class estimated to stand at around the 70 million mark. Tremendous success has been achieved in the quest of trying to control the security situation in Pakistan, with full credit going to their current government who has put many measures in place in order to ensure their safety.
The Ambassador reiterated that the Pakistani Embassy in The Hague stands ready to pursue the role in facilitating business developments between the Netherlands and Pakistan. The meeting featured a series of presentations and testimonials, the first was delivered by Mr. Zahid Ali Abbasi, who was followed by Habibsons Bank representative Ms Tabinda Kazni, where she spoke of the long legacy and history of the Pakistani business sector. Mr. Sibbe Krol of IDH went on to indicate the need to create more sustainable trade.
Ms Negar Esmailzadeh of Nutricia-Danone in the Netherlands thanked the Embassy of Pakistan for their cooperation. She highlighted the role played by Mr Abbasi and Kevin Eric, both who form a crucial part of the Pakistani Embassy in the Netherlands. Furthermore, Esmilzadeh’s presentation was built around the theme ‘Improving lives through nutrition’, where she noted the positive affects the Ned-Pak Business forum has had on Nutricia-Danone, including the heightening of the relationship between the two entities.
Mr. Johan van Dorst of Fokker (a Dutch aircraft manufacturer) one of the most senior investors in Pakistan, applauded the excellent economic climate in Pakistan along with its fantastic hospitality. Fokker’s activities in Pakistan are of a commercial and military nature.
Mr. Adil T.Mohammed, who works for Shell spoke of the introduction of the easily transportable liquid natural gas into Pakistan. He also touched on the topic of gas, noting the impact of low oil prices and then went on to discuss renewables, such as D-light affordable global solar energy.
A board of representatives from the following companies also gave their testimony:
– Smit Lamnalco’s Jord Veldman discussed the positive developments for his customised services and operations company in Pakistan’s Damen shipyards, while Oran Bekbulat called for the simplification of certain rules and regulations
Peter van Ouwekerk, highlighted how food safety is an issue, help from the Embassy and Habibsons Bank is required in order to meet the current food safety requirements. An example of that needs to be considered is the effect that Himalayan salt has on the cultivation of potatoes(French fries).
Jan Linker, noted the current success of the economic climate in Pakistan. His company exports directly from Pakistan to Korea, Bijenkorf, Leenbakker. In his testimony he proposed the introduction of a 3 year visa in order to continue the efficiency of doing business with Pakistan.
Ben Klaassen from Reel Jeans, imports raw materials from Turkey, emphasising the importance of good quality denim in order to continue with their high quality low price strategy. However the shortage of yarn is a point of concern.
The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered useful information and encouraged the exportation by small- to medium sized business (SME) Specific focus was drawn to the various subsidies available to SME’s.
The evening concluded in a traditional Pakistani style with a dinner offered by Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Moazzam Ahmad Khan.
