By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE — Pakistan’s Designate High Commissioner to Tanzania, Hasnain Yousaf, met with Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol to discuss ways to strengthen trade and economic relations between Pakistan and African countries, increase exports, and explore new markets. Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, Executive Committee Member Nadeem Ansari, and other chamber officials were also present at the meeting.
Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said that Pakistan must focus on new and emerging markets to increase its exports. He said Africa is a large and fast-growing market that offers significant opportunities for Pakistani products, especially auto parts, engineering goods, and other industrial products.
He said that finding new export destinations has become essential due to the challenges facing Pakistan’s exports.
He also highlighted the potential for exporting skilled and professional manpower to African countries, which could create employment opportunities and increase remittances.
Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol noted that around 60 percent of Pakistan’s remittances come from Gulf countries, and changing regional conditions make it important to explore alternative markets and opportunities. He added that African and American countries import goods worth billions of dollars annually, and Pakistan should work to secure a larger share of these markets.
He requested the Designate High Commissioner to support efforts aimed at boosting Pakistani exports, strengthening business links, and organizing single-country exhibitions. He said the Lahore Chamber is actively working to help businesses access new international markets.
Addressing the meeting, Hasnain Yousaf said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry plays an important role in Pakistan’s economy and business development. He added that the Government of Pakistan is giving special attention to increasing exports and exploring new markets.
He described Africa as an emerging market with strong business potential for Pakistani companies. He assured the business community of full support in promoting trade, investment, business cooperation, and employment opportunities for Pakistani professionals and workers in Tanzania and other African countries.
Hasnain Yousaf said that through teamwork and continuous engagement, Pakistan and African countries can significantly increase bilateral trade, and he pledged his full support to the Lahore Chamber and Pakistan’s business community.
