Brussels: (Awam News, Hafiz Aneeb Rashid) A seminar held in the European capital Brussels emphasized that citizen welfare can be significantly improved through healthy activities if different institutions work together in coordination.
These views were expressed during a seminar jointly organized by Member of the European Parliament Dr. Ondřej Dostál and Brussels City Councillor Mohammad Nasser Chaudhry.
The seminar, titled “Connecting Sports, Business, and Welfare,” was held at the European Press Club Brussels and attended by representatives from the Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Embassy of Pakistan Brussels, and the Belgian Cricket Federation, along with officials from the health and sports sectors of the Brussels City Council.
The event was divided into two sessions, with the first held at the European Press Club and the second at the European Parliament. The proceedings were moderated by Councillor Mohammad Nasser Chaudhry.
In the first session, MEP Dr. Ondřej Dostál stated that nations that actively promote sports and healthy activities experience improved productivity. He also highlighted the role of sports in diplomacy, referring to examples such as “Ping Pong diplomacy” between China and other countries. He further noted that such activities can reduce pressure on national healthcare systems.
Brussels City Councillor Mohammad Nasser Chaudhry described the seminar as a starting point and stressed that institutional cooperation can play a vital role in improving citizens’ lives, while also emphasizing the importance of public participation.
President of the Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. Hassan Mato presented Pakistan’s trade statistics related to sports goods and highlighted Pakistan’s contribution to promoting healthy lifestyles globally through sports equipment exports. He also stressed the importance of GSP Plus status.
Chairman of the Belgian Cricket Federation Umair Butt described cricket as the second most popular international sport and discussed challenges in promoting the game in Belgium.
From the Embassy of Pakistan Brussels, Head of Chancery Mohsin Saifullah and Commercial Attaché Sidra Munaf highlighted outcomes of the recent EU–Pakistan High-Level Business Forum held in Islamabad. They emphasized that improving exports requires strong focus on compliance and regulatory standards, and also shared key trade figures of Pakistan.
Other speakers included Ms. Ayesha Malieskan, FPCCI Vice President Aun Ali Syed, Delegation Committee Chairman Qamar Masoom, Sharjeel Awan, Haq Nawaz, and Chairman POF International Chaudhry Akram Minhas. They discussed various aspects of mutual cooperation and emphasized Pakistan’s role in promoting peace globally.
The speakers stated that Pakistan’s leadership played a significant role in preventing global conflict and deserves appreciation for its diplomatic and strategic efforts.
The second session of the seminar was held at the European Parliament, where participants were welcomed by Dr. Ondřej Dostál. The Gujrat Chamber delegation extended an invitation to him to visit Pakistan.
Discussions also focused on European compliance regulations, academic collaboration, and the establishment of facilitation centers. The FPCCI Vice President expressed interest in further engagement on these initiatives, while the Gujrat Chamber president highlighted the lack of testing facilities for the fan industry.
At the conclusion of the event, President of the Gujrat Chamber Mr. Hassan Mato presented honorary shields to Dr. Ondřej Dostál, the Embassy of Pakistan Brussels, and Councillor Mohammad Nasser Chaudhry.
