Pakistani tanners meet European consul generals
Pakistani tanners recently met with diplomats from several European countries to discuss bilateral trade and the promotion of Pakistani leather exports.
Chairman of the Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA), Gulzar Firoz, revealed that consul general of France, Pierre Seillan, has agreed to issue visas to PTA members for four years in the Schengen area. He also said he would encourage delegates from both countries to visit one another.
Christian Brecht, consul general of Germany agreed to the idea of holding single country exhibitions. He also said that if PTA members had any difficulties obtaining a visa they could approach the German Consulate, which is already issuing visas in Karachi.
Consul general of Switzerland, Martin Bienz, pointed out that Switzerland is now a Schengen member, so PTA members are free to apply for a visa for Switzerland.
Mr Firoz said that the Pakistan’s leather exports to France totalled $61 million per year, while exports to Germany were $106 million and exports to Switzerland were $2 million. However, he believes exports from these countries could be much higher if tanners are able to make the most of the opportunities they are presented with.
