KARACHI: Trade ties between Switzerland and Pakistan can be enhanced, Switzerland's Consul General in Karachi Martin Bienz said.

Talking to reporters at the Swiss consulate, he said the two countries had 60 years of diplomatic ties, as Switzerland had opened a diplomatic mission in Pakistan in 1949. He also spoke of the technical and scientific cooperation Switzerland extended to Pakistan during the period. He said 20 Switzerland-based multinational companies were operating in Pakistan, employing around 8,000 people.

He said the Swiss Business Council (SBC) had also opened its office in Karachi this year.

SWC President Farhat Ali said the aim of his organisation was to facilitate and promote trade ties between the two countries.

He said Pakistan was still a great market for foreign investment, adding that the scope was more in the agro-based industries, minerals and the energy sector.