Daily Times

KARACHI: Investors of South Africa have expressed their interest to invest in the projects of China Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC and demanded around 100 acres of land in Gwadar for establishment of industrial zone.

Visiting Chairman of Pakistan South Africa Business Forum PSABF, Muhammad Rafiq Memon while talking to Daily Times informed that business community of his country, South Africa, was closely monitoring the investment developments taking place in the CPEC projects and they were keen to be taken onboard. ” South African businessmen are expert in manufacturing sector and wnat to set up high tech industrial zones in Gwadar”, Memon said.

South Africa is gateway to some 63 countries of African continent which can be utilized to enhance Pakistan’s exports. Pakistani community can play role of bridge between Pakistani businessmen and South African traders, he added.

Demand for rice, textile products, confectionary items, surgical and sport goods and other products exist which can be tapped by Pakistan businessmen, Memon said assuring full support of his forum for marketing goods in South Africa. Pakistan businessmen living in South Africa are playing their role effectively for the promotion of Pakistan’s image. “Pakistani businessmen are also aggressively marketing Pakistani products with the help of high commission”, Memon claimed.

PSABF is planning to set up Pakistan community Centre and business centre in Johannesburg where Made in Pakistan goods can be displayed, Memon said adding that in this connection financial support of Pakistan’s government was needed. During his visit to Pakistan PSABF Chairman also met with government officials and representatives of trade bodies. ” in a meeting with Chief Executive of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan TDAP , S M Munir, I have proposed a single country exhibition in Johannesburg in April 2017 where range of Pakistani products will be displayed”, said Memon adding that TDAP chief has assured his support in this endeavor.

The exchange of high level officials between South African and Pakistan has not taken place since 1993 when Nelson Mandela had visited Pakistan, he lamented. “We are also planning to visit with a delegation of South African businessmen to Pakistan”, he informed. He also suggested that the government should take up the issue visa limitation with the government of South Africa. “Pakistani traders are constantly complaining that the duration of the visas issued to them expires with 10 to 15 days and the duration need to be enhance”, Rafiq Memon said.

PSABF is the umbrella of South African businessmen and Pakistani traders living in the South Africa.