Embassy of Pakistan
(France)
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Press Release
Pakistan welcomes French investment, technology & expertise in agriculture sector: Syed Fakhar Imam
Paris; October 9, 2020: Pakistan has huge potential in the field of agriculture and agri-products and the country welcomes French investment, technology and expertise, in a mutually beneficial way. This was stated by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Syed Fakhar Imam in a webinar on the agriculture sector of Pakistan in which 25 French companies participated. The webinar was organized by the largest business federation of France, MEDEF in cooperation with the Embassy of Pakistan, Paris.
He said agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy as it not only provides food security to the people but also employment opportunities to a large percentage of population. In addition to modernizing agriculture we also want to develop related sectors like fisheries, livestock, processing of fruits, meat production and dairy as well as organic farming, he added.
In his introductory remarks, Mr. Thierry Pfilmlin President Total Global Services, who is also President Pakistan-France Business Council, introduced MEDEF, as the largest employer federation in France which was established in 1998. It has more than 750,000 member firms, 90% of them being small and medium enterprises with fewer than 50 employees. Every year, MEDEF International organises a number of delegations of French business leaders with tangible projects to targeted countries, especially developing countries.
Mr. Muhammad Amjad Aziz Qazi, Charge d’Affaires a.i. Embassy of Pakistan Paris, praised the long-standing cooperation with MEDEF, adding there is huge potential in the agriculture sector to enhance mutual cooperation between the two countries. Agriculture is the mainstay of Pakistan’s economy and an important sector in French economy, he said, and Pakistan can benefit from French best practices in this sector.
Representative of French Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Mr. Sylvian Maestracci said that France is the world’s seventh largest agricultural producer, fourth largest agricultural exporter and EU’s leading agricultural power, accounting for about one-third of all agricultural land within the EU. More than half of French farms are primarily devoted to animal production, which account for 43% of France’s total agricultural produce equaling 25.7 billion Euros.
The participating French companies expressed keen interest in Pakistan‘s agricultural sector and sought information on various sub-sectors including dairy, animal husbandry, seed production, organic farming and forestation in which they could cooperate with Pakistan.
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Press Release
BIE trainers impart 2-day training to TDAP officials
Paris; September 29, 2020: The Bureau of International Exhibitions (BIE) started a two-day online interactive training of officials of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) covering all facets of BIE, preparing Pakistani officials to participate in the international expos including next year’s Dubai Expo in the most useful way.
In his opening remarks Mr. Dmitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the organization said BIE is an intergovernmental organization of 169 states which was created through a Convention relating to international exhibitions signed in Paris in November 1928. It arranges international expos and specialized expos all over the world.
He informed that this is the first capacity building program that BIE has designed for its member states. It took more than a year in designing the course and Pakistan is the first country to benefit from the newly designed modules, he informed.
Mr. Kerkentzes briefed the participants about BIE and outlined the theme of the training. He said that Expos are unique global events, which are among world’s largest gatherings, bringing together governments, businesses, international organizations, civil society, and the general public. Addressing themes of global concern, Expos maintain a high profile and credibility among international events.
Secretary TDAP Mr. Ahsan Ali Mangi said that TDAP’s role is to promote trade in Pakistan and assist local businesses in accessing international markets. He said the exchange of ideas and experiences would immensely help the country and its traders and manufactures to learn from international best practices.
Expressing his views in the inaugural session, Charge d’Affaires a.i. Mr. M. Amjad Aziz Qazi thanked BIE for arranging this training. We have always participated in BIE activities and played an important role in its various initiatives, he said.
Mr. Qazi said that with this training program a step has been taken towards cementing our already friendly ties and expressed the confidence that this will equip TDAP and its officers for effective participation in international Expos and Specialized World Expos. It will also help them organize their own events in a more professional manner, he added.
Pakistan has been an active member of BIE since becoming a member in 2007. Dr. Moin Wani, Commercial Counsellor of Pakistan Embassy in France is currently chairing the Rules Committee, which is one of the four committees of BIE. Prior to that he was heading BIE’s Information Committee.
Initially the BIE team had planned to go to Pakistan for this training but due to Covid-19 restrictions, it is now being conducted online, which has been divided into five segments relating to country branding, multilateral public diplomacy opportunities, participation procedure, developing a brand statement, impact evaluation of participation and Customs/Logistics, in addition to several others.
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2 Documentaries on mountaineering in Pakistan screened at a film festival in Paris
Paris; September 25, 2020: Two documentaries based on the expeditions of mountaineers and paragliders from France and Poland to the high mountainous areas of Pakistan were screened at a film festival in Paris, France on September 23-24.
The summer edition of the festival was held at Grand Rex cinema in Paris. Some of the mountain climbers and paragliders who went to Pakistan for their expeditions were also present on the occasion. The Embassy of Pakistan was represented by Charge d’Affaires a.i., Defence Attaché, Press Counsellor and Head of Chancery.
Lost in Karakoram, a 30-minute documentary regarding paragliding in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range. Directed by Damien Lacaze, Antoine Girard and Jeremie Chenal, the documentary regarded this area as one of the most beautiful mountain venues in the world. The film was based on French paragliders’ attempt to ascend the 7027-meter high Spantik peak.
The second documentary titled The Last Mountain is of 83 minutes duration. Directed by Darius Zaluski, the film is based on the 2018 K-2 expedition of Polish mountaineers. The documentary informed that K-2 is world’s only 8000+ meter peak that has never been climbed in the winter. During this challenging expedition, a couple of members of the Polish team went to rescue a French mountaineer Elizabeth Revol and her Polish teammate who were trapped on nearby Nanga Parbat.
Charge d’Affaires a.i. Mr. M. Amjaz Aziz Qazi held a meeting with the organizers of the festival Ms. Manon Grimwood and Mr. Cyril Salomon and said that Pakistan welcomes tourists from across the globe to visit the country which is gifted with epic landscapes and challenging mountain tops.
The organizers said that Pakistan is one of the key destinations for French mountaineers and people like to watch the breathtaking landscapes and beautiful mountains. They said these films were also shown in Switzerland, Denmark and Czech Republic as part of the same film festival. Screenings in other European countries were cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Embassy of Pakistan
(France)
***
Press Release
Euro currency added to Roshan Digital Account
Paris; September 4, 2020
The State Bank of Pakistan has allowed overseas Pakistanis to open Roshan Digital Account in Euro currency as well.
At the launching ceremony of Roshan Digital Account held at the Embassy of Pakistan Paris, on 18th August 2020, members of the Pakistani community in France asked for the facility in Euro also, in addition to Pak Rupee and US Dollar. This request was conveyed to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to which SBP has consented.
Overseas Pakistanis can use the following links to learn more about opening Roshan Digital Account at various Pakistani banks:
HBL https://www.hbl.com/hblhumwatanaccountdigital
MCB https://mopss.mcb.com.pk, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vA70mDSi0pE
UBL https://ubldigital.com/NRP-Services/Digital-OPS-Account-Opening
Meezan https://digitalservices.meezanbank.com/OAOF/
SAMBA https://www.samba.com.pk/samba/resources/digital-account-opening-application-overseas-pakistanis
Faysal Bank https://digionboard.faysalbank.com/
Bank Alfalah https://ips.bankalfalah.com/ops/
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Embassy of Pakistan
(France)
***
Press Release
Run for Kashmir and Roshan Digital Account launched in Paris
Paris; August 19, 2020: An event was held at the Embassy of Pakistan here today to launch Run for Kashmir tele-marathon cellphone application and Roshan Digital Account. Members of Pakistani and Kashmir community in Paris and officers of the embassy attended the event.
While explaining the concept behind the app Charge d’Affaires Mr. M. Amjad Aziz Qazi said that virtual Run for Kashmir is a global humanitarian effort aimed at creating awareness about the atrocities being committed by the Indian occupation forces in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
He said IIOJK has been under the Indian military siege and its status has unilaterally been changed by the Indian government. Our small steps counted by this app will go a long way in giving our Kashmiri brethren a ray of hope that people living across the world are behind their cause, he added.
Mr. Qazi invited members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora to form teams and take part in this effort while ensuring following social distancing guidelines in order to slow the spread of Covid-19 virus.
A presentation was also given on the Run for Kashmir app.
While introducing the Roshan Digital Account, Charge d’Affaires said that this would usher in a new era in banking in Pakistan. He regarded it a major initiative of the State Bank of Pakistan, which would provide innovative banking solutions to millions of overseas Pakistanis, allowing them to undertake banking, payment and investment activities in Pakistan.
Mr. Qazi said the Roshan Digital Account will integrate the Pakistani diaspora fully into the Pakistani banking and digital payments system providing them access to all conventional account services, including funds transfer, bill payments for their families, e-commerce and other payments in Pakistan in addition to investing in stock market and fixed deposit products offered by banks.
Country Manager of National Bank of Pakistan in France, Mr. Mohammad Yaqoob apprised the participants of the account opening and operation details.
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Photo caption: Charge d’Affaires Mr. M. Amjad Aziz Qazi briefing members of Pakistani and Kashmiri community about Run for Kashmir cellphone app and Roshan Digital Account at Pakistan Embassy Paris, France on August 19, 2020.
Ambassade du Pakistan
France
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Communiqué de presse
Lancement du compte numérique ‘Run for Kashmir’ et Roshan Digital à Paris
Paris, 19 août 2020
Un événement a eu lieu aujourd’hui à l’ambassade du Pakistan pour lancer l’application de télé marathon ‘Run for Kashmir’ sur téléphone portable et le compte numérique Roshan. Des membres de la communauté pakistanaise et cachemirie à Paris et des officiels de l’ambassade ont assisté à l’événement.
En expliquant le concept de l’application, M. M. Amjad Aziz Qazi a déclaré que la course virtuelle pour le Cachemire est un effort humanitaire mondial visant à sensibiliser aux atrocités commises par les forces d’occupation indiennes dans le Jammu-et-Cachemire illégalement occupé par l’Inde (IIOJK).
Il a déclaré que l’IIOJK était sous le siège militaire indien et que son statut avait été unilatéralement modifié par le gouvernement indien. Nos petits pas comptés par cette application contribueront grandement à donner à nos frères cachemiris une lueur d’espoir que les gens vivant à travers le monde soutiennent leur cause, a-t-il ajouté.
Une présentation a également été faite sur l’application ‘Run for Kashmir’.
Lors de la présentation du compte numérique Roshan, M. Charge d’Affaires a déclaré que cela ouvrirait une nouvelle ère dans le domaine bancaire au Pakistan. Il considère qu’il s’agit d’une initiative majeure de la State Bank of Pakistan, qui fournira des solutions bancaires innovantes à des millions de Pakistanais d’outre-mer, leur permettant d’entreprendre des activités bancaires de paiement et d’investissement au Pakistan.
Le directeur de la Banque nationale du Pakistan en France, M. Mohammad Yaqoob, a informé les participants des détails de l’ouverture et du fonctionnement du compte.
Embassy of Pakistan
France
(Press Section)
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PRESS RELEASE
Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrated in Paris
Paris; August 14, 2020: Pakistan’s flag was hoisted at a ceremony held at the Pakistan Embassy here this morning to celebrate the country’s 74th Independence Day.
Members of the Pakistani community and Officers and staff of the Embassy were present on the occasion.
Messages of President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out to the audience, while Charge d’Affaires a.i. Mr. Muhammad Amjad Aziz Qazi addressed the gathering.
Expressing his views Mr. Qazi noted the importance of freedom and joy felt by Pakistanis inside and outside the country on this day.
He compared the situation in Pakistan with that of India in light of recent actions by India to marginalize its minorities. He also highlighted the sufferings of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) saying that Indian government’s illegal act of changing the status of IIOJK and military siege imposed on the territory is in violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions that grant the right of self determination to Kashmiris.
He also appreciated the role played by Pakistani and Kashmiri communities in raising the Kashmir issue in France.
While lauding the efforts of members of the Pakistani community in France during Covid-19 lockdown by providing relief to the needy, he mentioned that Foreign Minister of Pakistan had also acknowledged the community’s efforts yesterday and honored two members of the community and an organization by including them in FM Honours List 2020.
Mr. Qazi also availed of the opportunity to urge the community to use the recently issued Political Map of Pakistan in their events, wherever required.
In the end he advised the members of the community to strictly observe precautionary measures in their everyday life as Covid-19 cases are increasing again in France.
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EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN TO FRANCE
PRESS SECTION
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PRESS RELEASE
Pakistan diaspora of France urged to remember oppressed Kashmiris of IIOJ&K during Eid ul Adha prayers
Paris 31st July, 2020. Charge D’Affaires a.i. Embassy of Pakistan, Paris Mr. Muhammad Amjad Aziz Qazi has extended his warm wishes to Pakistani diaspora in France on the occasion of Eid ul-Adha.
In a message issued today, Mr. Qazi called upon the community members to celebrate this Eid while observing health safety guidelines of the French government on coronavirus pandemic.
He urged them to demonstrate solidarity and support with Kashmiris in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, whose fundamental human rights are being grossly violated by the Indian security forces, with even greater intensity after the military siege imposed on the region since August 5 last year.
He also said that Pakistan’s government and its people remain fully committed to the Kashmir cause. Pakistan will continue to extend diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiris in their demand for self-determination in accordance with the resolutions of United Nation Security Council. Pakistan will also remain the voice of conscience in the world for the rights of Kashmiris brothers and sisters.
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EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN TO FRANCE
PRESS SECTION
PRESS RELEASE
Pakistan can benefit from French expertise in Agriculture and livestock sectors
Paris 12th July, 2020. The Ambassador of Pakistan to France Mr. Moin ul Haque has said that Pakistan can learn from French modern farming methods and agricultural best practices to increase its agriculture output, livestock yield and bring value addition to its dairy sector.
This was stated by him during his day long visit to various fresh produce, livestock and dairy farms in Burgundy region of France to specifically study the successful experience of small scale and family based farming in a rural setting.
During the visit arranged by Mr. Alain Recreux, the former honorary investment Counsellor of Pakistan in France and an agricultural expert, the Ambassador met with the local farmers, livestock breeders and members of local chamber of agriculture and livestock.
He was also briefed by the local Mayor about forestation and tree plantation projects, which was a source of employment for the residents besides attracting tourists. The Ambassador said that experience of France and its best practices would help Pakistan in its own “Ten billion tree plantation campaign”.
During his interactions, he also highlighted the priority of the government of Pakistan for development and modernization of agriculture sector as it contributes 18.5% to country’s GDP, provides 38.5% employment to national labor force and is a key to economic growth and poverty alleviation.
He said that the Embassy is in discussion with the French authorities for setting up of special training modules for Pakistani farmers. Negotiations are also underway with French companies to set up a state of the art market in Pakistan for the storage, sale and distribution of fresh farm produce.
France is one of the most advance agricultural country of Europe. It is a European leader accounting for 22% of the EU’s total agriculture output. It is among the top producers in the world for wheat, cereals, milk, meat, sugar beet and oil seeds.
پیرس، 12 جولائی:2020 جناب معین الحق سفیر پاکستان برائے فرانس نے کہا ہے کہ پاکستان فرانس کے جدید کاشتکاری طریقوں کو بروئے کار لا کر اپنی زرعت کی پیداوار، شعبہ حیوانات اور ڈیری مصنوعات میں خاطر خواہ اضافہ کرسکتا ہے۔
سفیر پاکستان نے یہ بات فرانس کے جنوبی علاقے برگندی میں تازہ زرعی اجناس، شعبہ حیوانات اور اورڈیری مصنوعات سے تعلق رکنے والی مختلف تنصیبات کے ایک روزہ دورے کے دوران کہی۔ یہ تنصیبات فرانس کے دیہی علاقوں میں چھوٹے پیمانے پر زراعت، کاشتکاری اور شعبہ حیوانات کی مصنوعات سے تعلق رکھنے والے کاشکارووں کو اپنی مدد آپ کے تحت ترقی کرنے کے موقعے فراہم کرتا ہے۔
اس دورے کا اہتمام جناب الائن ریکریکس، فرانس میں پاکستان کے سابق عزازی قونصلر برائے سرمایہ کاری و ماہر زراعت نے کیا تھا۔ اس دورے کے دوران سفیر پاکستان نے مقامی کسانوں، شعبہ حیوانات اور مقامی شعبہ زراعت کے اراکین سے ملاقاتیں بھی کیں۔
مقامی میئر نے سفیر پاکستان کو جنگلات اور درخت لگانے کے منصوبوں کے بارے میں آگاہ کیا جو سیاحوں کو راغب کرنے کے علاوہ مقامی لوگوں کے روزگار کا بھی ذریعہ ہے۔ سفیر پاکستان نے کہا کہ پاکستان اپنے دس ارب شجرکاری مہم کو مزید کامیاب بنانے کیلئے فرانس کے تجربات سے فائدہ اٹھا سکتاہے۔
گفتگو کے دوران انہوں نے زراعت کے شعبہ کی ترقی اور جدید طریقہ کار کیلئے حکومت پاکستان کی ترجیحات پر روشنی ڈالتے ہوئے کہا کہ پاکستان کی جی ڈی پی میں زراعت کا 18.5 فیصد حصہ ہے اور 38.5 فیصد ملازمتیں بھی زراعت کے شعبہ سے ہی منسلک ہیں اور ملک میں غربت کے خاتمہ کیلئے زراعت کا ایک کلیدی کردار ہے۔
سفیر پاکستان نے کہا کہ سفارت خانہ پاکستان فرانسیسی حکام کے ساتھ مل کر پاکستانی کاشتکاروں کیلئے خصوصی تربیتی پروگرام کے اجراء پر تبادلہ خیال کر رہاہے۔ پاکستان میں زرعی پیداوار کو ذخیرہ کرنے اور فروخت کرنے کیلئے فرانسیسی کمپنیوں کے ساتھ پاکستان میں ایک جدید ترین مارکیٹ کے قیام کرنے پر بھی بات چیت جاری ہے۔
فرانس یورپ کا ترقی یافتہ ملک ہے اور یورپی یونین کی کل زرعی پیداوار میں اس کا 22 فیصد حصہ ہے اور دنیا کی بہترین پیداوار جن میں گندم، اناج، دودھ، گوشت، چینی اوربیج جن سے تیل حاصل کیا جاتا ہے وہ فرانس میں پیدا ہوتے ہیں۔
