Ireland Ambassador to Pakistan Mary O’Neill visited the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on Tuesday, engaging with the local business community to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral trade. She was welcomed by SCCI President Syed Ahtesham Mazhar, Senior Vice President Muhammad Murad Arshad, and Vice President Salman Sheikh.
Trade Volume and Proposals
During the briefing, SCCI President Syed Ahtesham Mazhar informed the ambassador that trade between Pakistan and Ireland had reached 700 million euros. He proposed establishing direct business-to-business (B2B) connections, exchanging trade delegations, and signing an agreement with an Irish chamber to boost exports of sports goods, surgical instruments, textiles, and leather products from Sialkot.
Ireland’s Appreciation and Insights
Ambassador Mary O’Neill praised Sialkot’s renowned self-help industry. She noted that many traditional Irish sports items, such as hurling balls and Gaelic footballs, along with musical instruments, are already manufactured in Sialkot. Major Irish retailers source their products from the city. She emphasized that Ireland’s high-tech economy offers Pakistani businesses a strategic gateway to the 350 million-strong European market.
Women’s Chamber and Online B2B Meetings
Dr. Mariam Noman, President of the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sialkot (WCCIS), presented initiatives to support female entrepreneurs. SCCI Vice President Salman Sheikh proposed regular online B2B matchmaking meetings to facilitate connections between business owners from both countries, a suggestion strongly endorsed by the Irish delegation.
Conclusion and Attendees
The event concluded with an exchange of corporate souvenirs and a vote of thanks by SCCI President Syed Ahtesham Mazhar. Attendees included Senior Vice President WCCIS Gulzaib Waqas Awan, Vice President WCCIS Rubina Naveed, and members of the Sialkot business community.
