Dubai: A prominent Dubai-based Pakistani businessman Ayub Afridi has been appointed as the honorary consul-general of Romania in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Speaking to Gulf News from Peshawar after the inauguration of the Romanian Consulate office on Wednesday, Afridi said that he aimed to promote trade and tourism between the two countries. “Exchange of students especially sending Pakistani students for higher education to Romania is also part of his agenda,” he said.
“Opening of the Romanian Consulate in Peshawar is also indicative of the facts that peace has been restored in the capital city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which was once plagued with terrorism,” he noted.
Afridi who is also chairman of welfare organisation Pak Khyber Wing of the Pakistan Association in Dubai, said he would also strive to attract investment from Romania to Pakistan in addition to improving bilateral trade links.
Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Iqbal Zafar Jhagra who inaugurated the honorary consulate office, said Pakistan has very cordial relations with Romania and the opening of the consulate would help further improve. The ceremony was also attended by Asad Qaiser, Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, ministers and businessmen and members of the diplomatic community.
“Opening of the Romanian consulate in Peshawar is a great achievement for the government and we hope to see more foreign missions setting up their offices in this city,” said Jhagra.
He said the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is far better compared to a few years ago. “Our province has tremendous potential for economic development and it offers good opportunities for foreign investment,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of Romania to Pakistan Eilion Ion said the aim of opening the consulate in Peshawar and appointing leading businessman such as Afridi is to further strengthen economic and trade links between the two countries. “We expect to see more Pakistani businessmen and students going to Romania to further strengthen bilateral relations,” he added.
Shahid Khan, information secretary of Khyber Wing in Dubai, said the community is very pleased with the appointment of Afridi as the honorary consul-general in Peshawar. “He’s a very dynamic businessmen and social worker, and is always forthcoming when it comes to helping the community,” he said.