By: Shams Abbasi ISLAMABAD, Sep 13 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has emphasized the need for Pakistan to develop strong business and economic linkages with new international markets, particularly African countries, to transform its geographical location and abundant natural resources into sustainable economic strength. He was addressing a ceremony organized by the Pakistan Africa Economic Council in Islamabad, which brought together a large number of ambassadors, diplomats, business leaders, …
Speakers applaud Hamid Asghar Khan’s Vision to open new avenues for Pakistan-Africa economic Partnership
By: Shams Abbasi
ISLAMABAD, Sep 13 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has emphasized the need for Pakistan to develop strong business and economic linkages with new international markets, particularly African countries, to transform its geographical location and abundant natural resources into sustainable economic strength.
He was addressing a ceremony organized by the Pakistan Africa Economic Council in Islamabad, which brought together a large number of ambassadors, diplomats, business leaders, government officials, industrialists, investors and other prominent personalities.
The Governor said developing a new direction in Pakistan-Africa economic and trade relations could unlock tremendous opportunities for development and prosperity.
He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was endowed with vast mineral, oil and gas and water resources, adding that greater attention to local and foreign investment in these sectors could significantly accelerate Pakistan’s economic development.
Faisal Karim Kundi also appreciated the services and vision of Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Africa Economic Council Hamid Asghar Khan, saying his contribution would play an important role in strengthening trade, investment and diplomatic relations between Pakistan and African countries.
Federal Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Hiraj said Pakistan needed to move beyond traditional markets and intensify engagement with Africa’s rapidly emerging economies.
Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Africa Economic Council Hamid Asghar Khan said Africa was a “land of opportunities” and Pakistan must give greater attention to the continent at a time when access to some traditional Western markets was becoming increasingly challenging.
He said Pakistan enjoyed a strong and respected image in Africa because of its historic support for the independence movements of African nations, adding that this goodwill remained deeply appreciated by African people.
Hamid Asghar Khan said Africa was rapidly emerging as an important force in the global economy, offering significant opportunities in information technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, education and other sectors.
He called for greater government-private sector cooperation and the establishment of joint ventures between Pakistani and African companies to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram said Pakistan’s business community was ready to expand trade with African countries and explore new avenues of investment.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Sardar Yasir Ilyas said enhanced engagement with African markets would create new opportunities for Pakistani exporters, investors and young entrepreneurs.
UBG Secretary General Zafar Bakhtawari said the vision of Hamid Asghar Khan would prove highly beneficial for the Pakistan Africa Economic Council and Pakistan’s economy. He described him as an outstanding foreign service officer and said his appointment as Patron-in-Chief marked the beginning of a new journey for the Council.
“We stand with him and will continue to stand with him,” he said, while congratulating Hamid Asghar Khan and expressing his best wishes for his future endeavours.
Zafar Bakhtawari said the Council would advance in accordance with the spirit of the foreign policy envisioned by Allama Iqbal and pursued by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
He said African countries could open new doors of trade and investment for Pakistan, while the Pakistani business community was ready to explore opportunities across the African continent.
He expressed the hope that the Pakistan Africa Economic Council would emerge as an effective platform for trade, investment and economic diplomacy by connecting Pakistan’s private sector with African markets and promoting stronger business ties between the two regions.
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said African markets offered fresh hope and promising opportunities for Pakistan’s business community. He said Pakistani industries, exporters and investors could develop long-term trade partnerships with African countries.
Chairman Pakistan Africa Economic Council Dr. Shehzad Malik said the Council aimed to establish a strong and effective bridge between Pakistan and African countries in trade, investment and business cooperation.
Dean of the Diplomatic Corps AtaJan Mamlomov said Pakistan and African countries needed to transform their historic relations into strong economic partnerships. He said enhanced cooperation in trade, investment and business could further strengthen relations between Pakistan and African nations and create mutually beneficial opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
