ISLAMABAD, Oct 28 (APP):The Pakistan–Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit discussions have highlighted new opportunities to strengthen trade and investment ties through improved market access, targeted buyer-supplier linkages and sector-specific business partnerships.
The initiative builds on the objectives of the 1st Africa Diplomatic and Economic Conference 2026, organised by the Pakistan SADC Chamber Trade Federation (PSCTF), Pakistan Chapter, under the leadership of Dewan Muhammad Yousuf Farooqui, Patron-in-Chief, and Muhammad Rafiq Memon, Chairman of the PSCTF, Pakistan Chapter, said a release issued here on Wednesday.
According to figures attributed to the Ministry of Commerce Year Book and presented during the summit discussions, Pakistan–Africa merchandise trade stood at $4.85 billion in fiscal year 2024–25, comprising exports of $2.24 billion and imports of $2.61 billion. Total trade was reported at $5.45 billion in FY2023–24.
The discussions identified promising opportunities across food and agriculture, textiles and apparel, cement and minerals, machinery, electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals, medical and surgical instruments, leather products, footwear and sports goods.
South Africa, Madagascar, Rwanda, Tanzania and Mozambique were among the markets identified for further assessment in a preliminary market analysis, with country-specific trade figures requiring additional verification.
Highlighting the potential for mutually beneficial commercial partnerships, the presentation also outlined Pakistan’s imports from African markets, including coal, liquefied natural gas (LNG), phosphoric acid, natural phosphates and refined copper cathodes.
These imports offer opportunities for African suppliers to expand their presence in Pakistan, while Pakistani businesses can explore greater exports of food products, textiles, cement, minerals and other competitive goods.
To convert the identified opportunities into tangible commercial outcomes, a proposed 90-day action plan envisages validating trade data, preparing targeted buyer and supplier lists, assessing tariffs and market-entry requirements, and arranging pilot business meetings for selected product and country combinations.
The initiative aims to establish practical business-to-business connections, identify commercially viable opportunities and facilitate stronger engagement between Pakistani companies and businesses across SADC member countries.
The discussions underscored the importance of accurate trade statistics, focused market research and sustainable private-sector partnerships in strengthening Pakistan–Africa economic relations, diversifying export markets and developing resilient regional supply chains.
The proposed measures are expected to provide a structured basis for identifying priority sectors, facilitating investment and expanding bilateral and regional commercial engagement with Southern African markets.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
