Philippines to improve business ties with Pakistan

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippines and Pakistan have been eyeing to increase business opportunities, a senior government official said today.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ponciano Manalo Jr. said a six-member Pakistani business delegation has recently visited the country.

The Pakistani delegation, led by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Zakaria Usman, was a combination of possible investors, buyers and sellers from various sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, petrochemicals, financial services, textiles, ceramics, garments, food, and shipping, he said.

Manalo said at this early phase in strengthening two countries' trade relations, low hanging fruits such as the import and exports of food can be considered.

In 2013, total trade between the two countries only stood at $90.34 million. Pakistan ranks as the Philippines' 49th trading partner.