ISLAMABAD(WNAM Report): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has said that Pakistan must develop strong business linkages with new international markets, including African countries, to transform its geographical position and natural resources into economic strength.
He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony organized by the Pakistan Africa Economic Council in Islamabad the other day. The event was one of the major diplomatic and economic gatherings in the history of Islamabad, attended by a large number of ambassadors, diplomats, business leaders, government officials, industrialists, investors and other prominent personalities.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that creating a new direction in economic and trade relations between Pakistan and African countries could open up tremendous opportunities for development. He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is rich in mineral resources, oil and gas, and water resources, and if greater focus is placed on local and foreign investment in these sectors, no one can stop Pakistan from progressing on the path of development. He added that the services and vision of Hamid Asghar Khan would play an important role in promoting trade, investment and diplomatic relations between Pakistan and African countries.
Federal Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Hiraj said Pakistan must move beyond traditional markets and strengthen its engagement with Africa’s rapidly emerging economies.
Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Africa Economic Council Hamid Asghar Khan said Africa is a land of opportunities and, at a time when several doors in the West are becoming increasingly limited for Pakistan, the country must give greater attention to African markets. He said Pakistan enjoys a strong and respected brand image in Africa, as Pakistan had supported the independence movements of African nations, a historic role that continues to be remembered and appreciated by African people.
He said Africa is rapidly emerging on the global economic landscape and Pakistan must seize this opportunity. There are vast investment opportunities in IT, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, education and several other sectors , he said, adding that the government and private sector should establish joint ventures with African countries.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram said Pakistan’s business community is ready to increase trade with African countries and explore new investment opportunities.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Sardar Yasir Ilyas said enhanced trade with Africa would create new opportunities for Pakistani exporters, investors and young entrepreneurs.
UBG Secretary General Zafar Bakhtawari said the vision of Hamid Asghar Khan would prove highly beneficial for the Pakistan Africa Economic Council and Pakistan’s economy. He described him as an outstanding foreign service officer and said that his appointment as Patron-in-Chief marked the beginning of a new journey for the Council. He congratulated him and expressed his best wishes for his successful future. He said, “We stand with him and will continue to stand with him.”
Zafar Bakhtawari said the Pakistan Africa Economic Council would advance in accordance with the spirit of the foreign policy envisioned by Allama Iqbal and pursued by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah . African countries can open new doors of trade and investment for Pakistan, while the Pakistani business community is ready to explore trade and investment opportunities across Africa.
He said the Pakistan Africa Economic Council could emerge as an effective platform for trade, investment and economic diplomacy , connecting Pakistan’s private sector with African markets and promoting stronger business ties between the two regions.
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said African markets offer new hope and promising opportunities for Pakistan’s business community. Pakistani industries, exporters and investors can develop long-term trade partnerships with African countries.
Chairman Pakistan Africa Economic Council Dr. Shehzad Malik said the Council aims to establish a strong and effective bridge between Pakistan and African countries in the fields of trade, investment and business cooperation.
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ata Jan Mablomov said Pakistan and African countries need to transform their historic relations into strong economic partnerships. He said cooperation in trade, investment and business can further strengthen relations between Pakistan and African nations and create mutual opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
