ISLAMABAD: Commerce Minister Pervaiz Malik on Friday informed the National Assembly that initiatives had been taken to boost trade with Senegal, which has been stagnating in the range of $40 million to $50m for the past several years.

In a written reply to a question by MNA Shaikh Rohale Asghar, the minister said that the volume of trade was far below its potential. However, Pakistan attaches high importance to its economic relations with Senegal, he added.

He said the first meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) was held in July and important decisions were taken to boost bilateral trade.

The minister said that the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has relaxed the hospitality criteria f rom Af rican countries including Senegalto attract delegates andensure better participation in the upcoming `Expo Pakistan 2017` being held this month.

He said the TDAP will provide special subsidy in the range of 80-90pc to Pakistani companies to encourage their participation in trade exhibitions in Africa, including Senegal.

Pakistan and Senegal agreed to tackle the difficulties hampering the bilateral trade.

Pakistani also sought Senegal`s support to establish a trade partnership with the Economic Community of West African States and the West African Economic and Monetary Union.

The commerce minister said Pakistani side in the JMC also proposed to the Senegalese side to establish a joint working group (JWG) on trade with a view of planning, implementing and monitoring plans and objectives in this area.

The TDAP will also hold a trade fair in Dakar in December to showcase Pakistan`s products, Mr Pervaiz added.