Australian High Commission
Islamabad
Pakistan

HOM visit Karachi August 2009

AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION
ISLAMABAD

Press Release

Visit to Karachi by the Australian High Commissioner, Mr Tim George

Australia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mr Tim George, visited Karachi for a series of calls on political and business leaders from 15-20 August 2009.

During his visit, Mr George called on Sindh Governor, Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal, Governor of the State Bank, Syed Salim Raza, and Inspector-General of Police, Sultan Salhu-din-Babar Khattak, briefing them on the Australian Government’s increased engagement with Pakistan.

Mr George noted a number of positive developments in Karachi in recent times including improved road infrastructure, further greening of the city, and the reduced crime rate. Mr George highlighted Australia’s increased development cooperation program in Pakistan, which recently doubled to A$60m per year, defence cooperation, and capacity building in policing, law enforcement, anti-money laundering and countering terrorist financing. Mr George also discussed further scope for Australian collaboration with partners in Sindh, including in the power, water and agriculture sectors.

Reflecting Karachi’s importance as Pakistan’s commercial capital, Mr George met business leaders, including the President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Anjum Nisar, and representatives of the Australia-Pakistan business community. These discussions focused on Australia’s interest in developing the trade and investment relationship, strengthening the links between the business communities of Australia and Pakistan and improving agricultural management techniques in Pakistan, including through the highly successful Agriculture Sector Linkages Programme, an Australian Government initiative in Pakistan.

Mr George inspected the Aga Khan Hospital, received a briefing on the work of the Aga Khan Institute for Educational Development, and discussed opportunities for future collaboration.

Mr George was also pleased to support the visit to Karachi by the Australian frigate, HMAS Toowoomba, which highlighted the strengthening defence relationship between Australia and Pakistan.


Contact: Mr James McGarry – 051 835 5500

20 August 2009