France and Pakistan need each other: French diplomat Gilles Angles

Islamabad: A French diplomat on Thursday said France and Pakistan need each other to attain common goal of peace and prosperity.

Gilles Angles, French Attaché of Cultural and Cooperation Ties said that Pakistan can become a global economic power with the help of its incredible natural and human resources.

This he said while speaking at annual day ceremony at a local school, Mrs. Azra Wasim Sajjad, Rukhsia Waqas, former chairman coordination FPCCI Raza Khan and others were also present on the occasion.

Gilles Angles said that recent signs of Pakistan’s economic growth are encouraging as this country fulfils the conditions to become a highly developed country.

Paris has been cooperating with Islamabad to enhance its exports to the European markets and overcome energy crisis, improve level of education and civic facilities, he added.

He said that France can help Pakistan exploit Thar coal as promoting relations with Islamabad has remained our top priority.

Angles added that France has second largest presence in Pakistan after Germany, presently 80 French companies are doing business in Pakistan while 180 companies of two countries promoting bilateral trade.

He said that Pakistani businessmen can explore opportunities by learning French which is the official language in 34 countries. Over 600 Master’s and PhD students are studying in France while more is being done to assist them, he added.

Pakistan is gateway to energy rich central Asia, financially liquid Gulf and advanced Far Eastern countries, he said adding that Pakistan has world’s second largest salt mine, fifth largest gold mine, fifth largest coal reserves, and seventh largest copper mine.

At the occasion, Raza Khan said that we have the potential to export quality fruits, rice, fashion garments, leather and sports goods. French brands have proved their worth here while many they have found situation favourable for continued investment, he said.

Raza Khan said France should come forward to help overcome energy crisis as she has solid expertise in the coal power generation.

The two countries should boost exchange of delegations that will bring business communities together resulting in enhanced trade.