Practical steps are essential to enhance Pakistan-Africa trade, Atif Ikram Sheikh
Pakistan aims to further expand economic partnerships with African countries, said Hamid Asghar Khan, emphasizing the need to boost trade and investment with African ambassadors.
Islamabad (News Reporter) The first Pakistan-Africa Roundtable Conference was held under the auspices of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), where detailed discussions were held on promoting trade, investment, economic cooperation, and business links between Pakistan and African countries. The conference was chaired by FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, and was attended by ambassadors, high commissioners, and consuls general from various African countries including Morocco, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
Speaking at the conference, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hamid Asghar Khan stated that Pakistan is giving special importance to enhancing trade and economic cooperation with African countries, and strengthening economic ties with Africa is a key priority of Pakistan’s foreign policy. Pakistan aims to further expand mutually beneficial economic partnerships, and the role of the private sector and business community is crucial in this regard. The Pakistani business community should take full advantage of the opportunities available in African markets.
He said the government will provide every possible facility to the business community to promote trade and investment with Africa, and that coordinated efforts at the diplomatic and commercial levels are needed to enhance Pakistan-Africa links. The FPCCI Roundtable Conference is an important initiative for promoting economic ties.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh stated that the FPCCI is active in promoting economic activities with African countries and will continue to play its role in strengthening trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Africa. The African region holds significant importance for Pakistan, and government policies reflect this commitment.
He added that the FPCCI will act as a bridge between the business communities of Pakistan and Africa, and there is a need to further enhance B2B and chamber-to-chamber links to connect the Pakistani market with African markets. There are vast possibilities for creating investment and employment opportunities between Pakistan and Africa, while Africa’s emerging economies will play a crucial role in the future global economy.
Atif Ikram Sheikh mentioned that there are extensive business and investment opportunities in various sectors for Africa’s market, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, minerals and mining, technology, food, and infrastructure. Pakistan and Africa should fully utilize each other’s large populations, resources, and vast markets. More than fifty countries in the African region hold significance for Pakistan, and practical steps are essential to stabilize Pakistan-Africa economic ties.
The Zimbabwean ambassador stated that Zimbabwe is keen to enhance trade and investment with Pakistan, and there are vast possibilities to increase the trade volume between the two countries, while direct links between business communities need to be further promoted.
Ethiopian Ambassador Omar Hussein Oba said that significant increases in mutual trade between Pakistan and Africa can be achieved through B2B and chamber-to-chamber links. Both regions can enhance cooperation in various sectors including agriculture, industry, minerals, and technology. Ethiopia can provide new trade and investment opportunities for the Pakistani business community in Africa.
The Sudanese ambassador praised the FPCCI’s efforts, stating that the role of the private sector is extremely important in promoting trade relations between Pakistan and Africa. There are vast opportunities for cooperation in various sectors, including textiles, between Pakistan and Sudan, and Sudan will welcome Pakistani investors.
The Kenyan ambassador noted that there are vast possibilities for cooperation between Pakistan and African countries. A facilitation desk should be established for the business community to ease trade and business links.
The conference was attended by FPCCI Vice President Tariq Khan Jadoon, Chairman of the Capital Office Karim Aziz Malik, and prominent figures from the business community. Participants emphasized the need for joint efforts to enhance trade, investment, and business links between Pakistan and African countries. A cake was also cut to celebrate Ethiopia’s New Year during the event.