WORLD

Pakistan Exports Over 400 Products to the UK but Needs Improved Quality and Marketing, Says Hassan Afzal Rana

Faisalabad:(Special Representative)According to Global times News Agancy Europe,A highly productive and forward-looking meeting between the UK-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Institute of Business Management Sciences was held at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, bringing together leading academic figures and international trade representatives to discuss opportunities for graduate development and enhanced bilateral trade between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.The meeting was attended by Hasan Afzal Rana, Director of the UK-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Professor Dr. Abdul Gafoor, Director of the Institute of Business Management Sciences, along with Associate Professor Dr. Kashif Hamid and Dr. Yousaf Malik. Syed Zeeshan Bukhari, Treasurer of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and Dr. Burhan Ahmad also joined the session at the departmental office, further enriching the discussion.Speaking on the occasion, Hasan Afzal Rana, Director of the UK Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry, highlighted Pakistan’s growing presence in international markets, particularly in the agriculture sector. He noted that more than 400 agriculture-based products are currently being exported from Pakistan to the UK, reflecting the country’s strong production capacity and export potential.

However, participants collectively emphasized that there remains significant scope to further strengthen quality assurance, value addition, branding, and modern marketing strategies. Enhancing these areas, they observed, would enable Pakistan to improve its competitiveness and expand its footprint in the UK and other global markets.A key focus of the discussion was the development of structured pathways for both fresh and experienced graduates to access employment opportunities in the UK’s competitive job market. Participants stressed the importance of aligning academic programs with international industry requirements to ensure graduates are equipped with practical skills, global exposure, and professional competencies.The meeting also underscored the need to bridge the existing skills gap through stronger collaboration between academia and industry. In this regard, the UK Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry highlighted the importance of joint initiatives, including internships, training programs, knowledge exchange platforms, and industry-led curriculum development.Furthermore, the dialogue reinforced the importance of building sustainable, long-term partnerships between Pakistan and the UK. Strengthening linkages between educational institutions, trade organizations, and businesses was identified as a key strategy to promote economic cooperation, talent mobility, and mutual growth.Participants expressed optimism that such engagements would lead to concrete initiatives aimed at empowering the next generation of professionals while enhancing Pakistan’s position in international markets.