Pakistan and Africa trade cooperation is increasing day by day: Mishi Masika

Lahore: Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Najam Sethi, has said that the nature of relations between countries and nations has changed in the present era. He said that the socio-economic and trade relations have become important.

Addressing the function, Najam Sethi said that participation in a function held in connection with Africa Day under the aegis of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an honour for him. He said that African countries are progressing rapidly and taking practical steps for enhancing the exports of their products. That is why, Ambassadors and High Commissioners of African countries are present in the function today, he added. The Chief Minister said that arranging the exhibition of products in Lahore by African countries is a praiseworthy step which will help in promoting trade cooperation between Pakistan and Africa.

The Chief Minister said that the African countries are rich in gold, diamond, oil and other minerals. He said that mountains, rivers, deserts and precious minerals exist in Pakistan. Najam Sethi stressed the need for taking concrete measures for promoting trade between Pakistan and African countries. He said that the population of Africa consists of one billion persons and a very big market is there. He said that huge precious foreign exchange can be earned by exporting Pakistani products to African countries.

He said that the exhibition of African countries’ products in the provincial metropolis is a welcoming step and this exhibition will help in promoting trade and economic relations between Pakistan and African countries.

He expressed these views while talking to media after inaugurating the exhibition “Africa Show-2013” and addressing a special function held in connection with Africa Day at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry today. Advisor for Taxation, Zia Haider Rizvi, High Commissioner of Kenya and Dean of African Group in Pakistan Mrs. Mishi Masika Mwatsahu, Ambassadors and High Commissioners of African countries, President Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Farooq Iftikhar, Senior Vice President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, Vice Presidents Mian Abu Zar Shah, Iftikhar Ali Malik, office-bearers and a large number of businessmen attended the function.

Addressing the function, Najam Sethi said that participation in a function held in connection with Africa Day under the aegis of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an honour for him. He said that African countries are progressing rapidly and taking practical steps for enhancing the exports of their products. That is why, Ambassadors and High Commissioners of African countries are present in the function today, he added. The Chief Minister said that arranging the exhibition of products in Lahore by African countries is a praiseworthy step which will help in promoting trade cooperation between Pakistan and Africa. He said that the institutions regarding promotion of exports exist in Pakistan but no attention was paid to enhancing exports. Najam Sethi said that some African countries have improved their economy by promoting tourism. He said that vast opportunities of tourism are also available in Pakistan. He said that mountains, rivers, historical places, deserts and beautiful tourism places exist in the country but, unfortunately, no attention was paid to the promotion of tourism. He said that we should benefit from the experiences of African countries. The Chief Minister said that a comprehensive planning should be made for the promotion of tourism and country’s exports. He said that the great leader of South Africa Nelson Mandela made an impressive struggle, that is why, he is known like a great statesman all over the world. While welcoming the participants, the Chief Minister congratulated people of African countries on Africa Day.

Talking to media, Najam Sethi said that holding of peaceful and transparent elections was the mandate of caretaker setup. He thanked Almighty Allah on successfully discharging this national responsibility. Replying to a question, he said that whatever humanly possible was done for protecting the children from measles and providing treatment to the affected children. Replying to a question about the exhibition on Africa Day, the Chief Minister said that the exhibition of African countries’ products is a good step as a result of which besides government, contacts at people level will also be strengthened. He said that African countries have given importance to trade and taken solid steps for increasing exports but small industries in Pakistan were closed for not taking effective steps for the promotion of trade activities.

Addressing the function, President Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Farooq Iftikhar said that Africa is a big trade market and Pakistan should enhance trade relations with Africa. He said besides government, steps should also be taken for enhancing contacts at people level. He stressed the need for formulating African friendly policies for promoting trade relations with African countries. He suggested that trade relations could be promoted through mutual exchange of delegations of students, scholars, doctors and businessmen. He thanked Chief Minister Najam Sethi on the participation of the function.

High Commissioner of Kenya in Pakistan Mrs. Mishi Masika Mwatsahu addressing the function congratulated Pakistani government and people for holding peaceful and transparent elections. She said that successfully holding of elections is a big achievement of democracy in Pakistan. She said that people and government of Pakistan are friends of people and African government. She said that celebrating of Africa Day in Lahore is a proof of it.

She said friendly ties between Pakistan and Africa and trade cooperation is increasing day by day. Later on, Chief Minister Najam Sethi along with Ambassadors and High Commissioners of African countries inaugurated the “Africa Show-2013” and also visited the stalls setup by different countries.