'˜Further trade deals with Pakistan likely' following Brexit

Conservative MEP Amjad Bashir, explored opportunities for trade partnerships with Pakistan in the field of digital services and commerce once Britain leaves the EU.

Mr Bashir, MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “This was the first conference of its kind since the referendum and there was huge positivity about the opportunities Brexit will present to rebuild links with our historic trading partners across the globe.

“Pakistan is fast transforming itself into a flexible and open digital economy - and so makes a perfect fit when UK starts looking for bilateral trade arrangements in this key sector.

“This is the start of something big. More conferences like this will follow and I believe today is a landmark on our road to a global future.”

Held at Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge Stadium, the conference was titled Pakistan as a Digital Powerhouse and sponsored by the Association of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe.

Speakers included Pakistan’s Minister for IT and telecommunications Anusha Rahman and former John Lewis MD turned West Midlands mayoral candidate Andy Street, fresh back from trade discussions in India and Pakistan.

Mr Bashir told the conference: “Reinforcing and rebuilding trade relations and partnerships with the great Commonwealth nations is both essential and timely.”