SIALKOT/FAISALABAD: Embassy of Russia in Pakistan Commercial Counselor Sergey Baranov on Wednesday said Russia was keen to establish strong bilateral trade relations with Pakistan. He said this while addressing a meeting of exporters held at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on Wednesday. SCCI President Zahid Latif Malik presided over the meeting while SCCI Vice President Abid Ahmed Khawaja, Dr Mariyam Nouman, SCCI Departmental Committee on Women Entrepreneurs Chairman Waqas Akram Awan and others also attended the event. The commercial counselor said Russia was keen to develop strong business-to-business contacts between businessmen of Pakistan and Russia, besides making sincere efforts to explore the mutual trade potential. Meanwhile, Sergey Baranov showed keen interest in the Sialkot-made sports goods and surgical instruments during his visit to several leading industrial units. He witnessed the production process of sports goods and hailed the international standard craftsmanship of the Sialkot based artisans. At the occasion, Sergey Baranov said that Russia was intending to boost the mutual trade ties with Pakistan besides making all-out sincere efforts to strengthen the mutual trade. Addressing the meeting, SCCI President Zahid Latif Malik stressed the need to establish a proper and well-planned banking channel between Pakistan and Russia, saying that mutual trade and business could never be developed without proper banking system in Russia as well. Denmark for stronger bilateral relations: Meanwhile, Denmark Ambassador to Pakistan Rolf Michael Hay Pereira Holmboe said on Wednesday that Danish government was keen to enhance bilateral trade relations with Pakistan in different sectors, including textile and knitwear. Addressing traders at Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association [North Zone] (PHMA), he said that Pakistan was a peace loving country and was keen to boosting trade relations. He said that Danish companies would sign joint ventures in different sectors with Pakistani companies to enhance bilateral trade. The ambassador said that he would talk with Danish companies for working with Pakistani companies in knitwear sector. He said that new technology would be introduced in Pakistan which would help increase production, improve quality of products and cut production cost. Published in Daily Times, November 16th 2017.