Chairman – Pakistan Portugal Business Council (PPBC)

Evolve: Kindly share something about yourself, a brief overview of your professional journey? 

Muhammad Awais: I am in my family business, Forvil Cosmetics, which was executed about 30 years back. Our company is manufacturing many famous brands including the well-known brand of Pakistan i.e. “Bio-Amla”

Evolve: How did the idea of Pakistan Portugal Business Council (PPBC) come in to your mind and why Portugal? 

Muhammad Awais: The concept of Pakistan Portugal Business council provoked as a result of my meeting with H.E. Joao Paula Sabido Costa. His Excellency is a man born with inherent intelligence and leadership. After that immense conversation we decided to create a platform for the promotion of business in both Pakistan and Portugal. The reason to choose Portugal for this purpose is quite simple. Actually we wanted a market where the exposure and opportunities for new and old businesses should be immense. As Portugal was an untapped market so this platform seems like a great way to promote businesses.

Evolve: What are the commonalities between Pakistan and Portugal in term of doing business? 

Muhammad Awais: In both Pakistan and Portugal there are many sectors in which we can enhance the business links. Most common areas for swapping are technical, textile, chemical and the most important and huge one is agricultural. I also want to mention here that the culture of both countries have many commonalities which is definitely a positive sign for us.

Evolve: Please share some of your initiatives taken from this prestigious platform? 

Muhammad Awais: Well, there are countless achievements which we earn through this platform. We held a seminar through AICEP which was a very successful event. Both the countries learnt about each other intimately. We also invited a Portuguese delegation in Pakistan and discussed all the business related opportunities, facts and figures with them. One of the most appreciable events was the arrangement of a delegation of Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Mr. Kamran Michael in Portugal, where he met with Minister of Seas and took an initiative for a terminal to promote relationship between both the countries.

A number of other Parliamentarians also visited Portugal through Pakistan Portugal Business Council. One of our tremendous achievements is that the Minister of Education and Secretary of State of Portugal is ready to visit Pakistan. Besides this we are organizing two seminars in May and July at Lisbon-Portugal.

Evolve: In your view what are the major sectors in which businessmen of Pakistan and Portugal can work together? 

Muhammad Awais: The main sector for business in both countries is energy sector. Portugal is producing about 62% of total energy from wind. So, it’s a great opportunity for Pakistan to tackle its energy related dilemmas. Likewise, energy sector both of the countries can also deal with Agriculture sector specially mango and rice, surgical equipment, sports goods, Cheese, olive oil and many others.

EVOLVE: Is Pakistan Portugal Business Council working for academic cooperation especially in fields of science and technology between the two countries? 

Muhammad Awais: Yes, we met with Advisor to Minister of Education of Portugal during our visit. We have discussed all fine points about academics. He showed his keen interest to initiate Students Facility Exchange Program (SFEP). Most honorable thing is that the Education minister promised to visit Pakistan in near future. His visit will be a gateway for Education sector in both Pakistan and Portugal.

Evolve: What strategy Pakistan Portugal Business Council (PPBC) is opting to connect the business community of Pakistan and Portugal? 

Muhammad Awais: Our key strategy is to engage the governments of both countries through different delegations of government officials in Pakistan and Portugal. In addition to this strategy we are also to promote B2B contacts, seminars, evets and information flow via media channels.

Evolve: How Portuguese businessmen gauge Pakistan for investment purpose? 

Muhammad Awais: Portuguese arouse their interest towards economic scenarios of Pakistan especially after CPEC. Moreover, they are concerned with the energy sector, infrastructure, rail straights and many other businesses. Their level of interest is really a moment of pride for Pakistan Portugal Business Council.

Evolve: What are your future plans from this platform? 

Muhammad Awais: We are planning single country exhibition, business show, with the help of embassy of Pakistan in Portugal. We are also trying to associate high officials for visits in both countries. One of our other approaches is to promote Pakistani products in the market of Portugal. Besides all these activities our primitive purpose is the opening of AICEP office in Pakistan which will be a great opportunity for the promotion of this Council and overall business of both countries. 

Evolve: Any message to the readers of EVOLVE? 

Muhammad Awais: EVOLVE is undoubtedly one of the best Magazine for readers. It won’t be wrong to say that this magazine is convenient tool for the promotion of businesses nationwide. My best wishes are with EVOLVE. May Allah keep you to the sky of success. Ameen.