Zakria Usman urges new avenues for promotion of bilateral trade, economic relations between Pakistan and South Africa

Karachi, March 07, 2014 (PPI-OT): There is a need for further cooperation between Pakistan and South Africa to promote their bilateral trade and economic relations. This was stated by Mr Zakria Usman President FPCCI in a meeting with the High Commissioner of South Africa Mpendulo Kumalo accompanies by Mr. Sarel van Zyl Deputy Head of Mission of South Africa held at Federation House.

Various proposal and suggestions came under discussion for expansion and opening of new avenues in trade and joint ventures. Mr. Zakria emphasized on the need of close cooperation between FPCCI and South African Chambers of Commerce and Industry which will intensify the interaction between the business communities of both the countries. It was further stated by Chief of FPCCI that the meeting of Joint Business Council established between the National Chambers of both the countries is long overdue.

The meeting attended by Mr. Khurram Sayeed, Mr. Mazher Nasir Vice Presidents and Mr Ghulam Ali Mohammad Chairman South Africa Business Council and Honorary Consul General of South Africa in Karachi also discussed the possibility of holding of Solo Exhibitions, exchange of trade delegation on reciprocal basis and Seminar on Pakistan South Africa Economic Relations.

Mr. Zakria Usman further stated that the export of Pakistan to South Africa is confined to a limited number of products which include sports goods, surgical items, leather goods, textiles and handicraft items despite the fact that Pakistan food products particularly spices, ready to cook items, frozen foods, consumer items, furniture, etc have a great demand in South Africa.

Mr. Khurram Saeed Vice President proposed to hold Seminar on Pak South African Bilateral Trade on the side lines of Joint Business Council Meetings to create awareness of the potential exist between both the countries. Mr. Mazher A Nasir emphasized that Solo Exhibitions of Pakistan in different cities of South Africa will open new vistas for Pakistan products.

The Ambassador of South Africa assured the Pakistan side that he would personally take up the matter of holding Joint Business council meeting with South African Chambers of Commerce and Industry to bring business community of both the countries more closer exploring new avenues for Joint ventures.

He suggested that the branded products of Pakistan may be introduced in South Africa to project the image of Pakistan long lasting. He also spoke at length about the South African expertise in coal. He said that the Pakistan’s future lines in exploration of coal resources which abundant in Sindh province reserves of Pakistan.

For more information, contact:
M.A.Lodhi
Secretary General
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI)
B-1, Federation House, Main Clifton Road,
Shahra-e-Firdousi,
Karachi-75600, Pakistan
Tel: 0092-21-35873691, 93-94
Fax: +9221 3587 4332
Email: info@fpcci.com.pk
URL: www.fpcci.com.pk