ISLAMABAD, SEP 11 /DNA/ – The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) hosted the first Pak-Africa Roundtable Conference, chaired by FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh. The conference featured detailed discussions on promoting trade, investment, economic cooperation, and business ties between Pakistan and African nations. Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Consuls General from various African countries—including Morocco, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Kenya, and Ethiopia—attended the event.

Addressing the conference, Atif Ikram Sheikh President FPCCI President highlighted that the FPCCI is actively working to boost economic activities with African nations and will continue to play its role in solidifying trade relations. He stated that the African region holds immense importance for Pakistan, as reflected in current government policies, and that the FPCCI will serve as a bridge between the business communities of both sides.

Sheikh stressed the need to enhance business-to-business (B2B) and chamber-to-chamber connections to link Pakistan with the African market. He identified vast opportunities for investment and job creation, adding that Africa’s emerging economies will play a crucial role in the future global economy. He highlighted key Pakistani sectors—including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, minerals and mining, technology, food, and infrastructure—that offer significant trade and investment potential in Africa, emphasizing that both regions should leverage their large populations, resources, and expansive markets.

The FPCCI President noted that over fifty countries in the African region hold strategic value for Pakistan. Practical measures are needed to solidify economic ties, and the FPCCI remains committed to expanding trade relations and exploring new business avenues.

Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hamid Asghar Khan stated that Pakistan assigns special importance to promoting trade and economic cooperation with African nations, noting that strengthening economic links with Africa is a top priority of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

He emphasized that Pakistan wants to further expand mutually beneficial economic partnerships with African countries, where the private sector and business community play a pivotal role. He encouraged the Pakistani business community to fully capitalize on the opportunities available in African markets, adding that the Government of Pakistan will provide all possible facilitation to foster trade and investment. Khan noted that coordinated diplomatic and commercial efforts are required to enhance Pak-Africa ties, praising the FPCCI Roundtable Conference as a significant step forward.

The Ambassador of Zimbabwe stated that Zimbabwe seeks to promote trade and investment with Pakistan, noting vast potential to increase bilateral trade volume through direct business community linkages.

Ethiopian Ambassador Omer Hussein Oba remarked that strong B2B connections and chamber-to-chamber cooperation could significantly boost mutual trade. He highlighted opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, industry, minerals, and technology, adding that Ethiopia can serve as a gateway for Pakistani businesses into African markets.

The Ambassador of Sudan commended FPCCI’s initiatives, noting the critical role of the private sector in driving bilateral trade. He highlighted potential cooperation in textiles and other sectors, assuring that Sudan welcomes Pakistani investors.

The Ambassador of Kenya highlighted wide-ranging avenues for collaboration and suggested establishing a facilitation desk to streamline trade and assist business communities on both sides.

The conference was also attended by FPCCI Vice President Tariq Khan Jadoon, Capital Office Chairman Karim Aziz Malik, Syed Mazhar Ali Nasir Chairman FPCCI Africa Desk, Ibrahim Khalid Tawab Chairman Pakistan Ethopiya Business Council of FPCCI, Mr. Badar Haroon EC Member FPCCI, Mr. Adil Obaid Convener, Ms. Ayesha Kha Deputy Convener FPCCI Standing Committee, Ms. Shamim Aftab Group Leader WCCI Sarghoda, Mr. Dost Ali Jan SVP RCSTSI, Mr. Asif Javed VP RCSTSI, Ms. Hina Zulfiqar VP WCCI Rawalpindi and prominent business figures. Participants collectively underscored the need for joint action to enhance trade, investment, and commercial networking.

A cake-cutting ceremony was also held during the event to mark the Ethiopian New Year.