Johannesburg - Strong business and trade relations between South Africa and Pakistan are expected to develop following the hosting of the 3rd Pakistan Africa Trade Development Conference, set to get under way at the Sandton Convention Centre today.
The two-day trade event was launched at the same venue yesterday, where a big delegation from Pakistan and a handful of South African entrepreneurs started their relations over Pakistani cuisine and small talk.
The event, which began with a short press briefing, was also attended by Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, who graced the occasion as the guest of honour.
South Africa has become the third country to host this event after its successes in Kenya and Nigeria in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The event is aimed at building and creating bi-lateral trade arrangements with African countries.
Among those in attendance were Commerce Minister Syed Naveed Qamar, who welcomed members of the media and other guests and dignitaries to the launch, saying the South Asian country, in spite of a global trade decline, had seen its export market grow a staggering 11.7% year on year.
Qamar said that in 2017, the Pakistan government launched its “Look Afrika” policy in order to improve and direct its economic focus on African countries, which has resulted in the hosting of the Pak Africa trade conference in both Nigeria and Kenya, with South Africa becoming the third host of this annual event.
More than 130 companies and 225 businesspersons from Pakistan are also expected to take part over the next two days to formalise trade relations between the two countries, which have been mired by accusations of operating outside the law, with the spaza shop market becoming a bone of contention.
“Judging by the highly successful events in Nairobi and Lagos in 2020 and 2021, respectively, where significant partnerships, trade agreements, and economic ties were formed, this year’s event will improve on the number of trade agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to be signed.
“At the last event in Nigeria, more than 93 MOUs were signed, with businesses generating more than $32 million,” Qamar said.
A member of the delegation who did not want to be named said it was unfortunate that relations between South Africa and Pakistan were affected by the acts of a few individuals who did not want to respect the laws of South Africa when they engaged in illegal business and criminal activities.
“Our challenges as Pakistanis are many, but we have a great deal of mutual respect and love for the country of South Africa, and how they have handled their freedom.
“Some of the acts committed by a few individuals from Pakistan are unfortunate in that they get in the way of the great relationship and mutual respect we have for this country, and how the current government has been able to keep the country going,” the delegation member said.
The Star