Brussels, (Unib Rashid) – Participants at a seminar held in the European capital Brussels said that public welfare can be improved through healthy activities if different institutions work together collectively. These views were expressed by various speakers during a seminar jointly organized by Czech Member of the European Parliament Dr. Ondřej Dostál and Brussels City Council member Councillor Muhammad Nasir Chaudhry.

The seminar, titled “Connecting Business and Welfare Through Sports,” was held at the European Press Club Brussels and attended by representatives of the Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Embassy of Pakistan Brussels, Belgian Cricket Federation, and officials from the health and sports sectors of Brussels City Council.

The seminar consisted of two sessions, the first held at the European Press Club Brussels and the second at the European Parliament. Speaking during the first session, Dr. Ondřej Dostál, a member of the European Parliament Committee on Environment, Climate, Weather and Food Safety on Public Health, said that nations whose citizens actively participate in sports and other healthy activities experience increased productivity. He added that sports also play a vital role in diplomacy, citing “Ping Pong Diplomacy” between China and other countries as an example. He further noted that participation in healthy activities can help reduce pressure on national healthcare systems.

Co-organizer Councillor Muhammad Nasir Chaudhry described the seminar as a starting point for broader cooperation among institutions, stating that collective efforts can significantly improve citizens’ quality of life. He also emphasized the importance of active public participation in this process.

President of the Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ahmad Hassan Matto, shared Pakistan’s trade statistics related to sports goods and said Pakistan contributes internationally to public health by supplying sports equipment worldwide. He also highlighted the importance of the GSP Plus status and recommended its continuation.

Chairman of the Belgian Cricket Federation, Umair Butt, described cricket as the world’s second-largest international sport and discussed the challenges facing its promotion in Belgium.

From the Embassy of Pakistan Brussels, Head of Chancery Mohsin Saifullah and Commercial Attaché Sidra Munaf spoke about the first EU-Pakistan High-Level Business Forum held in Islamabad last month. They stressed the importance of compliance standards for increasing exports and shared key trade statistics related to Pakistan.

Other speakers included Ms. Ayşe Maliskan, FPCCI Vice President Aoun Ali Syed, and Gujrat Chamber Delegation Committee Chairman Qamar Masoom, who discussed various aspects of institutional cooperation.

Meanwhile, Sharjeel Awan, Haq Nawaz, and POF International Chairman Chaudhry Akram Minhas highlighted Pakistan’s role in promoting peace. They stated that Pakistan’s leadership had helped prevent a third world war and deserved appreciation for its efforts. Rubina Kausar also spoke about the role of women and women chambers in social and economic development.

The second session of the program was held at the European Parliament, where Dr. Ondřej Dostál welcomed all guests. During discussions on European compliance standards, he advised Pakistani traders to better understand legal terminology and proposed cooperation at the university level along with the establishment of facilitation centers. FPCCI Vice President Aoun Ali Syed expressed interest in participating in such initiatives.

President of the Gujrat Chamber also pointed out the lack of testing facilities for Pakistan’s fan industry.

Later, Press Counsellor of the Embassy of Pakistan, Saghir Wattoo, appreciated the efforts of Dr. Ondřej Dostál and Councillor Muhammad Nasir Chaudhry in promoting public welfare through institutional partnerships.

Earlier, Gujrat Chamber President Ahmad Hassan Matto presented honorary shields to MEP Dr. Ondřej Dostál, the Embassy of Pakistan Brussels, and Councillor Muhammad Nasir Chaudhry on behalf of the Gujrat Chamber.