Musharraf for expanding economic, trade ties with Yemen
By Aziz Malik ‘Pakistan Times’ Federal Bureau Chief

RAWALPINDI: President Pervez Musharraf Tuesday said there was great potential for enhanced collaboration between Pakistan and Yemen in all areas and urged increased bilateral economic and trade relations.

Talking to Minister for Industries and Trade Dr Yahya Y. Al Mutawakel the President said the two countries need to further strengthen their bilateral economic and trade relations.

He said the Pak-Yemen Business Council will be launched soon and will serve as a catalyst for forthcoming trade and investment between the two countries, and pointed that it was far less than the potential.

President Musharraf recalled his visit to Yemen in 2005 and said the two countries can collaborate particularly in the fields of pharmacy and surgical instruments besides cooperation in agriculture and livestock sectors.

The President also called for exchange of business delegations and participation in exhibitions.

President Musharraf also mentioned the student exchange program between the two countries under which Yemeni students are being provided scholarships in medical and engineering universities.

The President said relations between Pakistan and Yemen were deep-rooted and were instrumental in enhancing their economic cooperation.

The Yemeni minister referred to the setting up of Science and Technology universities in the country and said these would be serve as a great incentive for its students in offering international standard of education at affordable cost.

PM on Pak-Yemen Joint Commission

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said the unanimity of views and people to people contacts between Pakistan and Yemen have facilitated strengthening of bilateral relations.

He expressed the confidence that the meeting of the 5th Joint Commission of the two countries would be fruitful to further promote diplomatic and economic ties between the two brotherly countries.

The Prime Minister was talking to Dr. Yaha Y. Mutawakal, the Minister for Industries and Trade of Yemen who called on him here at the Prime Minister Secretariat this afternoon.

The Prime Minister said that he was pleased to learn that both Pakistan and Yemen are moving in the same direction to develop and compete with the world by strengthening their economies.

In this context, he stressed the need for the acquisitions and applications of knowledge particularly science and technology, which is essential for the progress and prosperity of any country.

The Prime Minister said that the new coalition government in Pakistan is facing a number of challenges foremost being economic difficulties and law and order situation.

The government he said is determined to confront these challenges so as to ensure conducive atmosphere for investment and also to ensure political stability. The socio-political stability he said leads to economic stability.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. A comprehensive multi-pronged strategy is being devised which would supplement efforts to overcome the causes of this phenomenon, he added.

As regards food security and energy shortage, he said appropriate short and long term measures are being adopted to check these trends.

The Minister for Industries and Trade of Yemen said that Yemen desires to increase its trade and economic links with Pakistan.

Referring to the deliberations of the 5th Joint Commission meeting he said that they have been able to identify specific areas of cooperation which would benefit both countries.

He further mentioned that Yemen is interested to import trained manpower from Pakistan in the medical field particularly para medical staff.

He also showed interest for assistance in the field of textile and pharmaceutical sectors.

The Minister for Industries conveyed the greetings of Yemeni leadership and congratulated the Prime Minister on assuming the office of the Prime Minister●