Ashraf AboArafe
The fourth Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference (PATDC) and Single Country Exhibition (SCE) was inaugurated in Cairo today. For the first time Pakistan has brought 100 plus companies to Egypt with the aim of enhancing trade and economic cooperation and opening new horizons between Egypt and Pakistan. Dr. Gohar Ijaz, Federal Minister for Commerce and Industries & Production of Pakistan along with Mr. Ahmed Samir, Minister for Trade & Industry of Egypt and Mr. Mahmoud Ismat, Minister of Public Business Sector jointly inaugurated the Conference (PATDC) & Single Country Exhibition (SCE) at the Egypt International Exhibition Center, Cairo.
A delegation comprising government officials and top business & industry professionals from Pakistan, led by the Federal Minister for Commerce and Industries & Production is visiting Cairo for the PATDC & SCE from 9th to 11th January 2024.
More than 80 leading businessmen and chamber representatives from the countries of Middle East & North African (MENA) region are attending the conference to strengthen commercial ties with businessmen from Pakistan.
The event commenced with an exclusive official conference, which will be followed by an inclusive two-day single country exhibition on 10th and 11th January 2024.
Ambassador Sajid Bilal in his remarks welcomed the attendees at the 4th Pak- Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition. He stated that Government of Pakistan under the “Look Africa” Policy has successfully conducted similar events in Johannesburg, Lagos and Nairobi yielding greater commercial benefits. Under this Policy, Government of Pakistan aims to find alternate markets for its goods and enhance government-to-government and business-to-business ties with countries in African region. We are reaching out to MENA region to forge stronger ties with peoples, institutions and authorities, he added. Egypt is the gateway to Africa; our brotherly relations will grow stronger with development of bilateral Trade, he added. The Ambassador highlighted that this event coincides with the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Egypt.
Honourable Chief Guest Mr. Ahmed Samir in his speech: extended sincere greetings and gratitude to Ministry of Commerce Pakistan and TDAP for organizing this conference and bringing together a diverse group of businessmen committed to promotion of bilateral trade. Such events bring about multilateral cooperation and benefit businesses in both countries and support each other’s aspiration for socioeconomic development, he stressed.
The Minister said that Africa with its resources, potentials is a great attraction of investments and similarly is Pakistan with its strategic position, skilled labour and vast potentials. In recent years, Egypt has witnessed economic development and reforms attracting investmets and enhancing connectivity with Africa. The Minister said that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Egypt is around 400 million dollars and he looks forward to wider horizontal diversification.
Minister for Commerce Dr. Gohar Ijaz in his inaugural address stated that Pakistan, today, is over 100 billion dollars economy with a population of around 250 million people. He said that Pakistan is ready to take-off with investors friendly trade, investment and industrial policies. The Minister highlighted Free Trade Agreement with China and particularly the Free Trade Agreement with the countries of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Dr. Gohar Ijaz vowed to increase bilateral trade with Egypt ten times. He stressed that if Pakistan, Egypt and MENA region countries can combine their strengths in different sectors of the economy, it would yield to a win-win situation for all. He mentioned that for this purpose, over 100 businesses are partaking in this conference. 
Minister for Commerce urged that Pakistan and Egypt being brotherly countries need to support each other. He invited Egyptian investors to visit Pakistan. He asked the Egyptian and MENA business community to send a resounding message to the world together that we can work together and become an economic powerhouse ultimately giving their people the prosperity they deserve.
More than 200 businessmen from Pakistan have arrived in Cairo to conclude business deals. These businessmen will be representing more than 20 different business sectors including textile, engineering goods, food & agriculture and services.
The exhibition showcased opportunities for trade enhancement and signing joint ventures deals between local and Pakistani businessmen in multiple sectors of mutual interest. It also offers an opportunity to foster trade and investment ties between Pakistan and MENA region countries. A live food show prominently enabled the participants to experience Pakistan’s culinary potential and cuisine throughout the PATDC and SCE.
