Energy, IT top Pak-Russia trade agenda

Visa procedures, LCs and banking channels flagged as key hurdles for Pakistani businesses The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has identified energy, gas, information technology (IT), surgical instruments, sports goods, tourism, pharmaceuticals and transportation as key sectors for expanding trade with Russia, during a visit by Pakistan's Ambassador to the Russian Federation Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, who called on RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan. Discussions focused on exploring new avenues for Pakistan-Russia trade and economic cooperation, with emphasis on opportunities for Pakistani businesses in the Russian market. Participants also discussed challenges facing Pakistani businesses in accessing the Russian market, including visa procedures, letters of credit (LCs), banking channels, information sharing and trade connectivity. Emphasis was placed on strengthening institutional linkages between chambers of commerce in both countries through enhanced networking, exchange of trade delegations, business-to-business matchmaking and the promotion of joint ventures. Senior Vice President Waseem Aslam, former presidents Raja Amer Iqbal and Zahid Latif Khan, and members of the RCCI Executive Committee attended.