National 1 (Spotlight Weekly)

Strengthening Relations

Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz’s visit to Nepal paves the way for enhancing relations between the two countries

By A CORRESSPONDENT

Although his visit was short and brief, Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz’s recent trip to Nepal helped to strengthen relations between Nepal and Pakistan, two South Asian countries. Prime Minister Aziz came here as chairman of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

The fact that the Pakistani prime minister’s delegation included ministers representing trade, commerce, and industry, hinted at the priority of the visit. At a time when economic activity between the two countries is very small, the visit gave an opportunity to explore the possibilities of enhancing trade.

The prime minister stressed the need to improve relations between the two countries. “We fully support and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of this country. We oppose any form of interference in the internal affairs of Nepal. Pakistan remains keen to promote relations in the political, economic, commercial, educational and cultural spheres. And we remain prepared to extend any assistance that Nepal may require which is within our means,” he said.

At a time when the countries of the region are hoping to sign the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), the regions nations must explore the possibility of each other’s markets. “The countries of South Asia would prefer to overcome their poverty through economic development based on expansion of their economics and trade and not depend only on aid. So far we have been subjected to a highly discriminatory international trading regime that has favored the developed world,” said Prime Minister Aziz addressing a program on Pakistan's role in the promotion of regional cooperation.

Organized by the Embassy of Pakistan and Nepal Council of World Affairs, the prime minister, among others, discussed promoting bilateral matters, regional issues, and the issues of Jammu and Kashmir.

Despite their closeness in terms of geography, trade between two countries is negligible, accounting for only Rs.10 million annually. However, in recent months, Nepal has started to export tea to Pakistan. Nepal can also benefit from imports.

As south Asia countries are preparing for final agreement on SAFTA, there is a huge opportunity to increase trade between Nepal and Pakistan. Along with cementing the friendly ties between the two countries, Pakistan's prime minister has shown his country’s eagerness to enhance the trade between the two countries.