Five Pakistani companies participated in SAITEX

ISLAMABAD: Five Pakistani companies under the auspices of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) participated in the 23rd edition of Southern African International Trade Exhibition for Retail Products (SAITEX) and Africa Big Seven (AB7) held recently in Johannesburg, South Africa from June 19-21, a statement said on Monday.

This is the largest show of Sub-Saharan Africa, wherein more than 1,200 exhibitors from 46 countries, including China, India, South Africa, Malaysia, Vietnam, Turkey, Mauritius, Namibia, etc, participated, the statement issued by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan said.

The target of the fair was the retail sector with the focus on importers, agents, distributors and wholesalers.

International business interest in Africa is at an all-time high, as the research proves that seven of the world’s top 10 fastest growing economies are in Africa.

From Pakistan leading companies such as Hilal Food, Ismail Industries, Reem Rice, Crown Leather and Best Clean Textiles are participating in the exhibition.

South Africa is the most important and largest trading partner of Pakistan in the African Continent of 54 countries.

South Africa is the second largest economy of Africa with GDP of $390 billion and the total trade of $190 billion.

Traditionally, it is called as a gateway to Africa and it plays critical role in the socio-politico and economic milieu of African continent.

South Africa is the member of numerous preferential trading blocks and total South African imports were $85 billion (2014).

High Commission of Pakistan has made all the arrangements for holding this exhibition, including reservation of space, construction of stall, reception of the exhibitors, their B2B meetings, marketing of the show among the local business community, etc.  Najm us Saqib, High Commissioner of Pakistan for South Africa, inaugurated the exhibition on June 19 and assured all the exhibitors of fullest cooperation to make their visit productive and beneficial.  Qamar Zaman, Commercial Secretary, also accompanied the High Commissioner.