The newly-appointed British High Commissioner in Pakistan, Jane Marriott, has expressed her positive outlook on Pakistan as an attractive destination for investment, citing its strategic location and growing middle class.
Ms. Marriott emphasized the increasing trade between the UK and Pakistan, with almost doubling of trade over the past three years. She highlighted the UK’s new developing countries trading scheme, where 94 percent of Pakistan’s exports to the UK are tariff-free, and the UK is exploring further tariff adjustments to strengthen trade ties.
Ms. Marriott spoke about transitioning the partnership between the UK and Pakistan from traditional aid relations to a more mutually beneficial one, focusing on development through trade, technical assistance, and climate work. She underscored the importance of addressing climate change and building resilience to cope with its impacts, especially in vulnerable areas like Pakistan.
Regarding security concerns, the High Commissioner acknowledged the challenges Pakistan faces in combating terrorism, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to working with Pakistan to eradicate terrorism. She expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and emphasized the need to support the Afghan people in the long run.
Ms. Marriott shared her excitement about being in Pakistan, a country she had visited before and was delighted to return to as High Commissioner. She noted the shared values and history between the UK and Pakistan, making the country feel familiar to her. She expressed her focus on strengthening diaspora links and encouraging more British tourists to visit Pakistan, praising the country’s natural beauty and world-renowned cuisine.
Overall, Ms. Marriott’s remarks underscore the growing partnership between the UK and Pakistan and the potential for further economic cooperation and development initiatives. Her positive impressions of Pakistan bode well for enhancing bilateral ties and fostering closer people-to-people connections between the two nations.