Call for better trade ties with S Africa

KARACHI: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has urged South Africa to work together for enhancing bilateral trade.

Syed Mazhar Ali Nasir, senior vice president of the FPCCI said this at a meeting with South Africa’s acting High Commissioner in Pakistan Rasheeda Adam.

Nasir said that most of the Pakistani items such as sports goods, surgical items, leather goods, textiles and handicraft are available in the South African market, but due to non-branding, these items are not identified as Pakistan-made items.

He stressed on activation of joint business council and emphasised on the need to enhance people-to-people contacts.

The FPCCI official assured the high commissioner for necessary cooperation regarding promotion of bilateral trade and economic relations and holding exhibitions, business forums.

Adam expressed her gratitude on the warm welcome and hospitality and said that there are so many opportunities in South Africa and many investors from the world are doing their businesses, but the Pakistani investors are in negligible number.

The economy of South Africa is now improving and stabilizing, she said, adding that South Africa needs business for which “we will facilitate the business community of Pakistan in terms of single entry and multiple visas for doing business and holding business forums, exhibitions and workshops, as well”, she said.

S M Muneer stressed the need to enhance bilateral trade and economic relations with South Africa in the follow up of the “Look Africa Plan” of the government of Pakistan.