Envoy highlights opportunities in renewable energy, auto manufacturing & pharmaceuticals
ISLAMABAD:
Acting South Africa High Commissioner Rudolph Pierre Jordaan has said that South Africa is a land of infinite possibilities and one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners in Africa, offering an investor-friendly environment supported by progressive policies and a young, energetic workforce.
He expressed these views while addressing an interactive session at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).
Highlighting the historic and cordial relations between Pakistan and South Africa since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1994, the envoy underscored the vast potential for expanding bilateral trade and investment. He showcased South Africa’s diversified economy and pointed to promising opportunities in renewable energy, mining technology, automotive manufacturing, agro-processing, logistics, pharmaceuticals, tourism, metal products, machinery and equipment.
He noted that as Africa’s most industrialised economy, South Africa enjoys preferential access to major global markets through multiple trade agreements, offering a strategic gateway for Pakistani businesses seeking expansion into the African continent.
Emphasising that “the sky is the limit,” he called for enhanced sector-specific collaboration through business-to-business (B2B) linkages, exchange of trade delegations and institutional partnerships to unlock the untapped potential. In his welcome address, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood stated that South Africa, being one of the leading and most diversified economies in Africa, holds a central place in Pakistan’s “Look Africa” policy. He remarked that Pakistan views South Africa not only as a valued trade partner but also as a gateway to the broader African market.
He observed that while bilateral trade between the two countries had shown encouraging growth, it remained well below its true potential. At present, trade is largely concentrated in sectors such as textiles, rice, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, machinery and agricultural products.
However, given the size, diversity and complementarities of both economies, there exists substantial scope to enhance trade volumes through diversification, value addition and stronger private-sector collaboration.
