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Summary Norwegian delegation has pledged Norways support to Pakistan in every possible way.
The president of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce, Norway Aamir Sheikh pledged a desire for establishing the Norway-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce to help make Pakistan a better impression in the Norwegian business community.He expressed these views while leading a Norwegian delegation to Board of Investment on Thursday. Norwegian Ambassador, Cecilie Landsverk was also present in the meeting.The delegation pledged a desire for establishing the Norway-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and expressed Norway’s support to Pakistan in every possible way. The main purpose of the visit was to help make Pakistan a better impression in the Norwegian business community, which unfortunately is very negative. It was discussed that 80% of every news story contains a negative image of Pakistan and as a result the Norwegian companies find it too risky to invest here.Auden Time, Business Consultant, Pakistan Chamber of Commerce, Norway said that was here to discuss the business opportunities for Norwegian companies in Pakistan, and also sought to improve the bilateral relations between the two countries.He said that the main purpose of the visit was to help make Pakistan a better impression in the Norwegian business community, which unfortunately is very negative. It was discussed that 80% of every news story contains a negative image of Pakistan and as a result the Norwegian companies find it too risky to invest here.For that matter, Mr. Auden proposed that they could initiate a campaign to change this negative perception in Norway, and tell the good information about Pakistan, so that the Norwegian businessmen view Pakistan as a potential investment country with lots of opportunities. They further stated that a similar campaign about Israel was refused because it is too political.Further the success story of Telenor, a Norwegian telecom company, was discussed, which has already invested 2 billion dollars in Pakistan. The MOS/Chairman stated that Pakistan has great potential for investment in the energy sector, and both the countries should start the business sector wise, initiating with the agriculture sector first.Norway is the third largest gas exporter and the fifth largest oil exporter with an economy which is growing steadily. So with the efforts of both Norwegian and Pakistani businessmen, investment projects could be started. The MOS/Chairman appreciated the goodwill and support offered by the delegation and expressed his desire to initiate a bilateral treaty with Norway.
