What I learnt on Chamber’s trade visit to Pakistan

I'VE been very fortunate to travel extensively in my adult life, from backpacking to business and leisure travel. One place that always eluded me was South Asia and in particularly Pakistan. I grew up in Bradford with many Pakistani friends and was fascinated by the food, language and culture of this warm and friendly community.

Visiting the country seemed a remote possibility, so when the opportunity to lead on a trade mission with the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce came about earlier this year, I jumped at the chance from both a professional and personal point of view.

Along with a select number of other Chambers of Commerce in Birmingham, Manchester and London and organised by the International Trade Centre, we visited the major trading cities of Karachi, Lahore and Sialkot.

The purpose was two-fold. To gain an in-depth knowledge of the business environment and specific market requirements to import from Pakistan and develop direct contacts with potential suppliers in the country for our members, with a specific focus on female entrepreneurs.

At the time of arrival, Pakistan had been placed on the UN's red list of countries not to travel to as it was deemed too dangerous due to political unrest. However our experience was one of only safety, warmth and enlightenment.

Yes, the military controlled government is perhaps the biggest challenge that is affecting stability and is certainly a challenge when trying to build new and trusted trade relations, but the vast number of highquality and innovative businesses producing clothing, handicrafts, foodstuffs and sportswear is phenomenal.

For example, Pakistan is the world's biggest manufacturer of footballs with most of the balls used at the Fifa World Cup in 2022 made in Sialkot.

Such are the trade opportunities that exist, it is no wonder that Yorkshire businesses have strong trading partnerships with the country and we are keen to encourage more.

Whilst on this trip, I visited the University of Lahore, one of the most progressive and innovative learning institutions in the world. I witnessed a focus on entrepreneurship from students who will certainly become the commercial leaders of the future.

Pakistan is a country of extremes. From destitution on the streets to overt wealth and modernisation, from stunning natural beauty to third world infrastructure in places.

It is grossly misunderstood but the headlines we read do stem from the political dynamics that cannot be ignored. Solve this (easier said than done) and the immeasurable potential of a country with the world’s fifth largest population will be unlocked.

The international expertise within our Chamber is perhaps the best kept secret in the region. Between us we speak multiple languages and have expertise in importing and exporting advice, training and documentation approval. I expect our focus to be on creating new global opportunities for our members as the effects of Brexit take hold, with trips to Rwanda and New York planned in May as a part of a series of international missions we will lead on.