Pakistan May Launch Direct Flights to Another Major European Country Soon

Spain's Ambassador to Pakistan, Carlos Aragon, has called for both nations to focus on establishing direct flights, as enhanced air links could greatly boost bilateral trade. At a business gathering hosted by the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), Aragon also committed to streamlining the visa application process.

He suggested that business applicants would receive priority, helping them secure visas more swiftly and efficiently. Aragon highlighted three key areas of potential cooperation between Spain and Pakistan: women's empowerment, climate change mitigation, and the circular economy. He expressed Spain's active involvement in women's empowerment through partnerships with the United Nations and a UNICEF-funded project in Punjab that trained and equipped young girls with practical skills.

The first phase of this project was set to conclude by the end of the current year, with the second phase beginning afterwards. Regarding the circular economy, Aragon noted that Spain had been pursuing a national strategy for this sector for the past four to five years. Although no formal agreement existed between the countries, Spanish companies had already begun supplying textile recycling machinery to Pakistan.

Aragon emphasized the value of Spanish universities in providing Pakistani students with opportunities for personal and academic growth, and pledged to facilitate stronger ties between Pakistani students and Spanish universities. The ambassador also expressed optimism that direct flights, simplified visas, women's empowerment initiatives, circular economy projects, textile recycling, and higher education cooperation could further strengthen the relationship between the two nations.

Additionally, Aragon mentioned that Spain could support Pakistan in developing its renewable energy sector. FCCI President Arif Ehsan Malik welcomed the ambassador's remarks, emphasizing the untapped potential in Pakistan-Spain trade and inviting Spanish investors to explore opportunities at the M3 Industrial Estate. Malik also shared that FCCI was working to achieve recognition for Faisalabad as Pakistan's first circular city, citing the city's significant contribution to textile and plastic waste reduction.

The FCCI, comprising 20,000 members and known as Pakistan's "textile engine," had thanked Aragon for Spain's support in granting Pakistan's Generalized System of Preferences Plus status. A question-and-answer session followed, featuring representatives from various fields, including Kashif Zia, Muhammad Faheem, Kanwal Saeed, Dr. Muzamil Hussain, Hunain Hamid, Muhammad Umer, Mudassar Amin, Taimoor Tahir, Muhammad Awais, Muhammad Yousaf, and Sohail Butt.

FCCI Senior Vice President Mian Muhammad Saeed closed the event with a vote of thanks and presented the FCCI shield to Ambassador Carlos Aragon.