Karachi (PPI) - Pakistan is "a very important partner" for Poland in South and Central Asia with its excellent location having access to markets in Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics. "The relations between the two countries are time tested, permanent and we are deeply interested in their further development in all fields," Polish Consul General in Karachi Ireneusz Makles noted in speech at function to celebrate 90th anniversary of Restoration of Poland's Independence here Monday. For Poland, Pakistan has potential to become major economic leader in Asia. Pakistan's strategic location as a regional hub, large consumer market, abundant national resources, talented, entrepreneurial people, skilled, hard working labour, a principal gateway to Central Asian Republics, offers enormous opportunity to foreign investors, he added. He felt both countries have enormous potential but "we are not utilising these and need to do much more to boost trade, economic ties and establish industrial units in joint ventures. Vast opportunities exist in textile, leather, furniture, clothing, construction, fisheries, food processing, beverages, pro ecology, granite marble, building materials." The bilateral trade in last four years showed upward trend. In 2007 trade turnover was $127.5 million. Poland exported goods worth $24.3 million and Pakistan $103.2 million. Makles said in first even months of 2008 (January to July) turnover in trade was $11.05 million. Poland exported goods worth $28.32 million and Pakistan $81.73 million. "I expect trade turnover in 2008 will reach about $200 million and have trend to permanent increase." He said exchange of trade missions will help Pakistan diversify its exports as Poland and its location in Europe has a very vast potential for various products. Polish importers are keen to buy Pakistani products, which are of high quality. "We are keen to expand trade ties with Pakistan and cooperate in oil, gas, energy, mining, infrastructure, maritime, engineering, chemicals, food processing, pharmaceuticals and development of small and medium enterprises," he observed.