pakistan spain discuss
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Pakistan, Spain discuss expanding trade, investmen…

RAWALPINDI: Ambassador of Spain to Pakistan, H.E. Carlos Aragón Gil de la Serna, visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI) and held a meeting with RCCI President Usman Shaukat to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral economic, trade and cultural relations between Pakistan and Spain.

Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, was also present as the chief guest on the occasion. Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, former presidents of RCCI, Executive Committee members and a large number of Chamber members also attended the meeting.

Upon their arrival, the Spanish Ambassador and Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan were warmly welcomed by RCCI President Usman Shaukat and members of the Chamber.

RCCI President Usman Shaukat highlighted the significant potential for expanding Pakistan–Spain trade and called for stronger business-to-business linkages, improved market access, and enhanced cooperation in investment and technology.

He said Spain offers important opportunities for Pakistani exporters, particularly in textiles and agro-based products, while Pakistan can benefit from Spanish expertise in modern agriculture, precision farming, irrigation, mechanization, greenhouse technology and water management.

The discussion assumes added significance in light of recent Pakistan–Spain consultations regarding the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Agriculture. Pakistan has identified rice, ethanol, potatoes and maize as products with potential for increased exports to the Spanish market. Spain has also acknowledged Pakistan’s favourable trade balance, with textiles being among Pakistan’s major exports to Spain.

On this occasion, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan highlighted RCCI’s important role in supporting the government on economic and budget-related matters and appreciated the Chamber’s contribution towards strengthening Pakistan’s economic foundations. He said Pakistan is moving forward across various sectors, particularly information technology, and stressed the need to further promote investment, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Rana Mashhood said the Prime Minister’s Vision 2047 provides a roadmap for building a prosperous, self-reliant and globally competitive Pakistan. He emphasized that youth empowerment, employment generation, peace and economic stability are essential priorities for the country’s sustainable development. He added that Pakistan’s young population represents a major national asset and that greater opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship and employment are needed to fully harness its potential.

He also appreciated the growing economic and diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Spain, saying stronger cooperation with European countries can create new opportunities for Pakistani businesses, exporters and young entrepreneurs.

In a special gesture of friendship and goodwill, RCCI President Usman Shaukat and Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan jointly presented H.E. Carlos Aragón Gil de la Serna with a football manufactured in Pakistan for the FIFA World Cup. The presentation showcased Pakistan’s strong sports manufacturing capabilities and symbolized the growing friendship, cooperation and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Spain.

The Spanish Ambassador also participated in RCCI’s Independence Day celebrations and cake-cutting ceremony, further reflecting the warm cultural and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to promoting bilateral trade and investment, technology cooperation, agricultural collaboration and stronger institutional linkages for the mutual economic benefit of Pakistan and Spain.

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