South African ambassador calls for direct trade routes

States they can play pivotal role in increasing trade

LAHORE:

Pakistan and South Africa should create direct trade routes for exchange of goods instead of trading via Europe, said High Commissioner of South Africa Mthuthuzeli Madikiza.

Speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Wednesday he said that the two nations exchanged goods through European countries.

“Both sides should take measures to ensure direct trade,” he said. “The exchange of trade delegations can play a pivotal role in increasing the two-way exchanges.”

He stressed upon the private sectors of the two countries to take a lead to strengthen mutual trade and economic ties.

Speaking on the occasion, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mian Nauman Kabir said that South Africa was famous for its diversity, landscapes and culture.

“South Africa has the largest economy in African province after Nigeria,” he said. “It is also the only African country that is a part of the G20.”

Unlike other African economies that rely on mining and agriculture, South Africa is fairly diversified.

The LCCI president pointed out that the balance of trade had traditionally been in favour of South Africa.

Kabir highlighted that Pakistan’s main exports to South Africa included precious metal, iron and steel, photographic and medical equipment, machinery, footwear, vegetables, chemicals, raw hides and leather.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31^st, 2022.

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