RAWALPINDI: ( Report By Kiran Aslam) The Belgian Business Contact Day and Catalogue Exhibition, organized by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), served as a pivotal platform for enhancing economic collaboration between Pakistan and Belgium.
The event was inaugurated by H.E. Charles-Idesbald Van Der Gracht De Rommerswael, Ambassador of Belgium, alongside key dignitaries including Mr. Laurent De Greef (First Secretary Political), Mr. Gilles Hachez (First Secretary Consular), Trade Commissioner Abid Hussain, RCCI President Usman Shaukat, and other notable officials.
In his address, Ambassador Van Der Gracht De Rommerswael underscored Belgium’s commitment to strengthening ties with Pakistan across sectors such as education, agriculture, textiles, and tourism. A key concern raised was the decline in bilateral trade, which dropped from $1.09 billion in 2022-23 to $872.4 million in 2023-24. He emphasized the importance of fostering business-to-business (B2B) meetings, joint ventures, and single-country exhibitions to rejuvenate trade and unlock new opportunities.
Tourism also featured prominently in discussions, with Belgium having processed over 10,000 tourist visas for Pakistani nationals in 2023, reflecting a growing mutual interest between the two nations. RCCI President Usman Shaukat highlighted Belgium’s strategic importance within the European Union and called for greater private-sector collaboration to maximize shared benefits.
The event’s catalogue exhibition provided an engaging showcase of trade directories, sector-specific insights, and innovations in renewable energy, education, agro-food processing, and tourism. This exhibition facilitated dialogue and exploration of collaborative opportunities between stakeholders from both countries.
Speaking at the event, Usman Shaukat reaffirmed RCCI’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that drive economic growth and sustainability. “Belgium holds critical position in fostering trade and innovation within the EU, and its engagement with Pakistan paves the way for mutually beneficial development,” he stated.
The gathering concluded on a high note, leaving attendees optimistic about future collaborations that would drive economic progress and strengthen Pakistan’s global ties.
