Islamabad: The federal government recently announced its decision to establish several diplomatic missions in six African countries on a priority basis, according to a news source. As per officials, this initiative is aimed at improving trade ties with these states and fostering new economic alliances.
According to details, the government is expected to set up diplomatic missions in Djibouti, Rwanda, Uganda, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Angola. In addition, the executive plans to open commercial sections in Nigeria, Kenya, Algeria, Senegal, and Ethiopia. The foreign office will also dispatch press attaches to seven African countries.
To promote this relationship further, Pakistan also plans to hold an international trade and investment conference in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. These decisions will be implemented by an ‘Africa Task Force’ established at the recently-held ‘Engage Africa Conference’ in Islamabad.
Currently, Pakistan has 15 resident missions in Africa; which is the second-largest continent of the world with a collective GDP of over USD 2.3 trillion. Its import market is worth USD 500 million and offers immense opportunities for trade partners.
Several Pakistani officials recently stated the need for a new ‘geo-strategic era’ of cooperation between African countries and Pakistan – in order to promote regional peace, security, and economic development.
