S Consul General of France in Karachi, I have had the honour and privilege of representing my country in Pakistan’s southern provinces of Sindh and Balochistan overthe last4 years.
These years have been very rich in events of all kind, both on the domestic and international arenas, allowing our two countries to develop a closer relationship at the political and eco-nomic level, witnessing the expansion of our cultural and academic exchanges.
While political relations in recent months have been focusing mainly on Pakistan’s mediation efforts in order to try and bring about a still very fragile ceasefire in the current conflict in the Middle East, economic and trade relations with France, one of Pakistan’s most important trading partners within the European Union, have been taking place within the framework of the GSP+ mechanism.
France is indeed a significant economic and commercial partner for Pakistan. This is very well understood here in Karachi that is the gateway to Pakistan and its biggest port on the Arabian Sea. It is no surprise, therefore, that the Pakistan France Business Alliance, that has been recently revitalised and is now acting as our bilateral Chamber of Commerce, is based in Karachi a city that is still, by any measure, Pakistan’s economic capital where most of the more than 20 French companies, currently active in Pakistan, are present with their nation-wide headquarters and country representatives.
This is the case for CMA-CGM, a shipping company originally from Marseilles, currently the world’s 3rd largest container shipping company, working closely with CEVA Logistics and World Wide Group. It is the same case for the Louis Dreyfuss Company, the trading branch of Louis Dreyfuss, that is very active in Karachi, trading grain and other commodities that are vital to Pakistan’s foreign trade.
Amongst them, I am particularly proud to mention L’Oréal, Schneider Electric and our successful joint venture running at the Lucky Motor plant in Korangi, with fancy Peugeot 2008 ‘made in Pakistan’ which is being produced in increasing numbers in Karachi.
Some medium-sized companies have also managed to prosper and thrive, such as trendy French-style bakery Paul; or such as Eleganz Luxury (Malak), selling luxury perfumes and making French elegance and art de vivre available to Pakistani consumers in Karachi and beyond.
France is therefore well represented locally, with a mix of quality, prestige and visibility. Additionally, the textile sector, one of the great traditional activities of Sindh, is linked to France through several Pakistani companies, such as Gul Ahmed Textiles, Chottani industries and DL Nash.It should be mentioned that these economic success stories also relate to Pakistani businesses, several Pakistani groups based in Karachi have significant investments in France, such as Martin Dow.
In terms of cultural cooperation, France can assert an ancient presence, through its archaeological missions on important sites for the history of the Indus civilisation, and more recent interactions related to contemporary art, as we did just a few months ago with the Arts Council of Pakistan.
It is worth reminding that France, while pursuing a cultural policy across the board, never forgets about the promotion of the French language. The Alliance Française Karachi, established in 1954, has become over the years a well-known element of its presence and influence in Karachi.
It is therefore no surprise that building upon the success of our ‘French Alumni Day’ celebration and the ‘Choose France’ higher education fair, held in Karachi over the last few years, France is effectively succeeding in attracting a growing number of talented Pakistani students wishing to study abroad.
In short, we are still very far from having realised to the full extent all the promises of our bilateral cooperation.
As I am completing my tenure, the Consulate General of France in Karachi is preparing to close down permanently, but the French presence in Karachi will remain, relying in the future on 3 pillars, with the earliest appointment of a newHonorary Consul in Karachi, who shall perform consular duties and liaise with provincial authorities; with a more active bilateral Chamber of Commerce (the Pakistan France Business Alliance), which will continue building business and trade ties; and with an Alliance Française Karachi playing its full role in promoting the French language and culture in this vibrant city.