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H.E. Jalil Abbas Jilani Brief The Members of Australian Parliament About Pakistan
His Excellency Syed Jalil Abbas Jilani
Hearing by the Trade Sub Committee of Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence & Trade in the Australian Parliament
H.E. Mr.
Jalil Abbas Jilani, the High Commissioner for Pakistan was invited by the Trade
Sub Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and
Trade in the Australian Parliament on Friday,28 November 2008 at the Parliament
House Canberra to brief the Members of the Committee on Pakistan’s potential as
a trade and investment destination. During the hearing the High Commissioner
briefed the members of the Sub-Committee about the challenges faced by Pakistan
in the wake of security situation in Afghanistan and the Tribal Areas of
Pakistan and the global financial crisis, nature of Pakistan-Australia trade and
investment potentials.
The High Commissioner emphasized that terrorism and economic revival constituted
two main challenges for the Government and the people of Pakistan. While
Pakistan is playing a pivotal role in its fight against international terrorism
and to purge the Tribal Areas of Pakistan from extremism and intolerance, it
required the help of the international community in reviving its economy. He
said that establishment of the Friends of Pakistan Group, which include
Australia as an active member, was in fact an acknowledgement of the critical
role being played by Pakistan against international terrorism.
The High Commissioner said that
“Trade not Aid” was the main slogan in Pakistan
and Australia as a Friend of Pakistan could help in correcting the Balance of
Trade which is heavily tilted in Australia’s favour. In this connection, the
High Commissioner proposed Market Access in Australia for Pakistani products
under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), as a special case, on account of
economic losses suffered by the country due to terrorism. The High Commissioner
also urged Members of the Committee to recommend bilateral FTA negotiations,
establishment of an Australia-Pakistan Business Council, Joint Venture Projects
in Mining, Oil & Gas and Agro-based industries and easing of visa restrictions
for Pakistani businessmen, students and skilled workers.
The Session was chaired by Hon. Janelle Saffin, Member of the Parliament and
Chairperson of the Trade Sub-Committee.
On behalf of the Pakistani/Australian community, the editorial board of Sada-e-Watan Sydney would like to congratulate His Excellency Syed Jalil Abbas Jilani for his efforts to promote Pakistan-Australia friendship.
