British High Commission plays a cricket match with Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industries
The British High Commission played a friendly cricket match with Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industries on 22nd March, Sunday. The event highlighted the sports connections between Pakistan and the UK, against the backdrop of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
The occasion was opened by the British Acting High Commissioner, Patrick Moody and Waqas Akram Awan, Chairman of Sports Activities, on behalf of the President of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Fazal Jilani.
The winner’s trophy was presented to the British High Commission’s cricket team by the SCCI Chairman of Sports Activities and the High Commissioner to the winning team.
Commenting on the success of the event, Patrick Moody said:
There are so many strong connections between Pakistan and the UK, but cricket is at the front of our minds as we all follow the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. Today’s friendly match was a most enjoyable way of celebrating the bonds between Pakistan and the UK.
It was a particular pleasure to host today’s events with the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industries. The businesses in Sialkot have an important trading role in Pakistan’s economy. After Karachi, Sialkot ranks second in earning foreign exchange through its exports and remittances. The innovative products manufactured in Sialkot by skilled artisans are used both in the UK and around the world, including a large number of fine quality sports products. Who doesn’t know about the Sialkot manufactured ‘Brazuca’ football used for FIFA Football World Cup 2014?
We are working very closely with the businesses bodies in Pakistan to take bilateral trade and investment between the two countries to a new target of £3 billion by the end of 2015. Over 100 British companies already operate here, and UK is the fifth largest investor in Pakistan. The UK and Pakistan are joined by strong bonds of friendship and deep rooted connections. Sport and trade forms the two important strands of this enduring partnership.
Notes to the editor:
Contact: Press Attaché, British High Commission, Islamabad; tel. 051-2012000