Australian envoy for closer cooperation with Pakistan

Salahuddin Haider

ALTHOUGH trade constraints because of vast difference that enhances transportation cost, trade between Pakistan and Australia has remained at ‘1.75 billion US dollars, yet there is tremendous potential of cooperation between the two country in the fields of education, agriculture, water development and tourism etc, said the Australian high commissioner Margaret Adamson in Kara chi Friday Speaking at the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations, (KCFR) she traced back history of bilateral relationship to soon after partition in 1947, saying Karachi as capital of the newly independent country, was the starting point, Colombo Plan and occasional contacts at various levels had been real asset of our stronger ties.
The breakfast meeting which is new chairman of KCFR Ikram Sehgal’s working style since long saw a major attendance at a local hotel. Organisation’s Secretary General Dr Huma Baqai welcomed her with a short, but crisp and calculated sentences, and Ikra m Sehgal, as usual punctuated his vote of thanks with interesting anecdotes. The two-hour session was full of interest from academic and learning viewpoint. Relying on Huma Baqai’s reference of presence of 13000 Pakistani students in Australia, the lady diplomat said Colombo Plan, once a very active organization, commonwealth bondage, and closer links with Higher Education Commission of Pakistan has really been rewarding.
Both countries have a history of long standing contributions, including in medical studies. Springing a pleasant surprise among audience by mentioning her interest in cricket, she said she saw the Pakistan Super League final in Karachi last year, and was indeed very happy to see 8 matches bringing thrills and excitement among cricket fans in Karachi and Pakistan this year. She herself enjoyed PSL and was delighted to see Australian players performing in the biggest bonanza of a game which is passion for Pakistanis.
In agriculture, she thought that cooperation could expand to new horizons because of it bein g a key factor in Pakistani economy. Cooperation has also been a matter of satisfaction, and pride in military fields, special between navies of the two countries in countering drug transportation and terrorism on high seas. Military training has been another bright aspect of closer cooperation between the two countries. He said with security increasing Pakistan could well be an interesting tourism, and investment destination.
Exchange of delegations and business-to-business meetings between trading and industrialists communities can facilitate the process for the betterment of both States.
For promotion of tourism, online visa system has been introduced for Australia for families, private visits, trade teams etc.
Internationally, Australia has played its role in Afghanistan, in closer cooperation with organisations like ASEAN, United Nations, and other platforms, where Pakistan too has been active since long.

from Pakistan Observer https://ift.tt/2YAmifq