Pakistan can get big share of more than dollars 140 billion potential market of Africa by switching over to non-traditional products and services sector. "We should penetrate this vast market before others do the same," urged High Commissioner of Pakistan in Kenya Syed Zahid Hussain in a meeting with the members of Site Association of Industry (SAI) during his visit to its office here on Monday.
Zahid has also been representing Pakistan South African countries ie Tanzania, Uganda, Rawanda, Brundi, Ethiopia and Eritrea including Somalia.
SAI Chairman Dr Mirza Ikhtiar Baig while welcoming Syed Zahid Hussain appreciated him for not only efficiently settling the issue of stuck consignment of rice from Pakistan to Kenya, but cleared the way once for all. Now, Pakistan's rice exporters had to pay no additional duties or demurrage on a consignment.
He also acknowledged Zahid had done great favour to Pakistanis, specially the businessmen by removing hurdles in getting visas to Kenya.
Dr Baig said all that would help in pursuing the President General Pervez Musharraf's vision for Pakistani entrepreneurs' look towards Africa.
SAI Chairman also described as big job done by Zahid by getting permission for setting up godown facility for Pakistani businessmen in Kenya which would contribute a lot to promoting Pakistani exports in the region.
Pakistan's High Commissioner supporting the President Musharraf's vision said it was very right time for Pakistan to capture 53 states African market and also move onwards. Africa had become a gateway to Europe and United States.
He identified pharmaceutical, engineering, foodstuff, information technology, communication, banking as non-traditional potential sectors which Pakistani businessmen could sell in the world.
"Instead of confined to rice and textile exports, we would have to react rapidly in other promising areas mainly services," he said adding India and China were very active in capturing those openings.
He said 35,000 people of Asian origin were living in Kenya who naturally were inclined to do business with Asian states and it was also a positive sign.
Pakistani businessmen could enter joint ventures in tea sector of Kenya. They could take benefit of available raw materials in Africa and sell finished products in international market.
He suggested aggressive marketing policy where media, businessmen and Government officials should act as major players in building Pakistan's image, projecting Pakistani products and creating awareness amongst Pakistani entrepreneurs about trade and investment avenues available for them in 53 African states.
He also underlined the need for understanding and close co-ordination between Pakistan government and those from African countries to boost trade and investment.
He informed Kenya had signed an agreement with United States, which gave her free access to latter's markets. Hence, Pakistani businessmen could sell their products in US markets through Kenya without paying any duty, which presently range from 12 per cent to 35 per cent.
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