ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom talked about working together on airplanes, including possible deals for Airbus planes and Rolls-Royce engines for Pakistan International Airlines, officials said Thursday.
The two countries also discussed ways to help PIA get planes faster through leasing, while it considers buying new ones later. The UK might also help with export credit support.
The talks happened during a meeting between Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott. They discussed improving trade and working together in important areas.
The British side shared information about talks with Airbus and Rolls-Royce about possible plane and engine deals for PIA. They also talked about leasing planes to solve PIA’s immediate shortage while longer-term plans are made.
Jam Kamal said PIA’s direct international flights give it a business advantage. He said the airline needs better service, more reliability and newer planes to win back passengers.
Last month, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb talked with Boeing Global President Dr. Brendan Nelson about buying new planes for PIA, including getting them sooner and leasing planes in the meantime.
Aurangzeb also met with U.S. EXIM Bank Chair John Jovanovich to look for financing for PIA’s planned purchases of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. He said PIA wants Boeing planes and needs spare parts to fix grounded Boeing 777s.
During Thursday’s meeting, the British side proposed a long-term investment partnership to help both countries work together in areas like regulations, trade, education, job skills and investment financing.
Jam Kamal said livestock is an important area for cooperation. He said the prime minister wants to improve animal productivity and increase meat exports. He pointed to opportunities for British knowledge, technology and investment in modern farming.
The high commissioner said food safety rules are important so Pakistani producers can sell to the UK and other countries. The meeting also reviewed work on healthcare and life sciences.
The minister said Pakistan needs to improve how it brands its products internationally and help local businesses grow in foreign markets. They discussed promoting Pakistani pink salt, olive oil, food products, textiles and surgical instruments through better quality and marketing.
Both sides agreed Pakistani businesses could create their own brands and earn more from products they already sell abroad. They also talked about Pakistani food and restaurant brands expanding in the UK.
The high commissioner praised Pakistan’s economic reform efforts, including work on regulations and taxes.
The meeting also covered Islamic finance and ways to strengthen financial ties with Pakistanis living in the UK.
On minerals, the minister said Pakistan needs experienced technical partners and exploration services to build its own capabilities. The British side said it could help with legal, financial, insurance and other services for the minerals sector. They also expressed interest in helping UK businesses join a planned minerals conference in Pakistan.
