Pakistan, Singapore push for deeper economic ties
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Singapore as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations.
He made the remarks while meeting Singaporean Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan at the Prime Minister House. Dr Balakrishnan arrived in Pakistan earlier in the day on an official visit.
The prime minister praised Singapore’s economic transformation and its achievements in innovation and development.
He stressed the importance Pakistan attaches to the partnership, both bilaterally and multilaterally, including within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The two sides discussed ways to boost trade and investment. They identified priority areas for cooperation, including the digital economy, fintech, infrastructure development, logistics, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the services sector.
They also discussed new avenues for economic cooperation and ways to enhance people-to-people contacts.
They exchanged views on regional and international developments and agreed to continue engagement at bilateral and multilateral forums.
Talks with Dar
Dr Balakrishnan also held delegation-level talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, education, technology, climate change and disaster management.
They discussed ways to strengthen institutional linkages, promote people-to-people contacts and coordinate on regional and international issues.
Addressing the delegation-level talks, Dar said the depth of diplomatic relations between the two countries was not adequately reflected in their economic ties.
He stressed the need to unlock the considerable potential for bilateral trade and investment.