Rawalpindi: A delegation of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) headed by President RCCI Saqib Rafiq called on H.E. Hannu Ripatti, Ambassador of Finland in Islamabad. Matters related to enhancing bilateral trade, investment opportunities, exploring non-conventional sectors, facilitation under SIFC, cooperation and connectivity, sector specific information sharing, waste management and recycling, networking and tourism came under discussion.
Talking to the delegation, ambassador Hannu Ripatti said that Finland has a strong desire to strengthen trade ties with Pakistan and to do more business activities in a better way and through Fin Partnership which can facilitate and help imports and exports in both ways. Ambassador while accepting the invitation to visit RCCI said that he was planning to visit various chambers of commerce and industries aiming for better connectivity and cooperation. “Finland reopened its mission in Pakistan after the closure of 10 years, “he said.
The ambassador mentioned that a temporary location at the Serena Business Complex was being used but “soon will have the old premises and start routine operations”, including the issuing of visas. He said that the Business Council of Finland will host a business summit in Pakistan in February 2024 and related information will be shared with the chamber of commerce.
While answering to a question, he mentioned that a large number of Pakistani students were pursuing their studies in Finland; however, students were facing problems as they do not have longer-term visas for which applications have to be forwarded to Abu Dhabi which takes time.
RCCI President Saqib Rafiq who also has the portfolio of Chairman Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) discussed scope and opportunities in waste management, recycling the waste and energy from the waste.
Senior Vice President, Muhammad Hamza Sarosh, Vice President Faisal Shahzad, executive committee members Abdul Rauf, Mudasir Maqbool were also present in the meeting. —
