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Herald Reporter
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Harare yesterday held an introductory trade event introducing the upcoming 2nd Edition of the Engineering and Healthcare Show which will be held from 23-25 February 2023 in Lahore, Pakistan.
The 2nd Edition of the Engineering & Healthcare Show is being organised by Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
The introductory trade event was attended by dignitaries, Ambassadors, Head of National Chambers, Regulators, Government officials and representatives of companies and businessmen from a multitude of sectors in Zimbabwe.
Pakistan Ambassador to Zimbabwe Murad Baseer made a presentation on the Islamic State’s trade potential and the sectors that will be represented at the expo in Lahore.
The Ambassador emphasized that Pakistan cherishes its historical brotherly ties with Zimbabwe and the African continent.
While referring to the immensely untapped trade potential between Zimbabwe and the African continent at large, the Pakistani Ambassador highlighted his country’s interest in engaging with the continent and enhancing its export figures which currently stand at 6% of Pakistan’s total exports to the world.
“Currently, Pakistan’s exports to the continent of Africa stand at US$1,56 billion, whereas Pakistani imports from the continent stood at US$5,6 billion for the fiscal year 2021-22.
“Imports from the African continent have increased by US$3 billion from US$2,66 billion since 2017-18,” said Ambassador Baseer.
The Ambassador reiterated that the Government of Pakistan in light of its “Engage Africa Policy” intends to build, consolidate and strengthen frameworks for enhancing bilateral trade relations with the African continent.
On trade with Zimbabwe, the Ambassador said that the current trade statistics between the two countries are not representative of the trade potential between the two countries.
“Total trade between the two countries for the fiscal year 2021-22 stands at a paltry US$30.8 million.”
Pakistan’s exports to Zimbabwe included Rice, Tractors, Sport goods, leather Gloves, Fabrics of Cotton, horticulture products, safety equipment, clothing, rubber tyres, surgical instruments, wadding of textile materials etc.
“Pakistan’s exports to Zimbabwe stood at US$9.28 million. On the other hand, Zimbabwe’s exports to Pakistan mainly included Raw Cotton and Tanning Extracts of vegetable origin. Raw tea has also been exported to Pakistan in the past,” explained Ambassador Baseer.
Zimbabwe’s exports to Pakistan during the fiscal year 2021-22 were worth US$21.52 million with the balance of trade in favour of Zimbabwe.
The Ambassador gave a briefing and introduced various sectors that will be on display at the 2nd Engineering & Healthcare Show in the historical city of Lahore.
He highlighted the sectors like pharmaceuticals, agri-machinery, auto-parts, paints and chemicals, cement and construction sector, plastics, home appliances, electrical and mechanical goods, cosmetics, packaging, surgical instruments as well as kitchenware cutlery among others.
The Ambassador expressed his desire to enhance the trade volume between Pakistan and Zimbabwe and increase the “Made in Pakistan” footprint in the country.
The event was also attended by participants representing the national chambers and business community in Zambia, Malawi, Angola and DR Congo virtually on Zoom.
The Ambassador also briefed the participants on the administrative aspects of the 2nd Engineering & Healthcare Show 2023 and informed the participants to register themselves online for the Expo in Lahore.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter