Pakistan–Africa Trade Cooperation Highlighted at SADC Dinner in Karachi

Karachi: Pakistan–Africa Trade Cooperation highlighted at an exclusive seafood dinner was hosted on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Karachi Gymkhana Swimming Pool Area by Mr. Shoaib Qadri, President of the SADC Sindh Chapter, in honour of Karachi Gymkhana President Mr. Akbar Iqbal Puri.

The high-profile event was attended by distinguished guests from diverse sectors, including representatives from the consulates general of 11 countries, heads of major media organizations, trade associations, leading industrial zones such as SITE, Super Highway Industrial Area, KATI, and NKATI, as well as prominent figures from Pakistan’s business and academic communities.

Among the attendees were senior office-bearers of key national organizations, including the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), All Pakistan Towel Association, All Pakistan Process Food Association, and the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD). Leading builders, senior government officials, high-ranking police officers, heads of major universities, and prominent industrialists were also present.

Notable participants included Mr. Sheharyar Taj, Secretary Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP); Mr. Ibrahim Khalid Tawab, Honorary Consul General of Ethiopia in Pakistan; Mr. Murad Nemati, Commercial Attaché of the Islamic Republic of Iran; Chairman ABAD Mr. Hasan Bakshi; President SITE Association Mr. Ahmer Azeem Alvi; CEO Bank Al Baraka Mr. Mohd Atif Hanif; Director Investigation NAB Mr. Afaq Syed; Secretary Government of Sindh Mr. Altaf Sario; Secretary IPC Mr. Asif Ikram; representatives from the pharmaceutical, steel, and construction sectors; and senior academics including Dr. Afzal Haq, Vice Chancellor Sir Syed University, Dr. Bilal, Director SZABIST University, and Dr. Saif, Director General NIPA.

Several business leaders, including Mr. Shujaat Ali, former Chairman of the Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers Association (PLGMA) and KATI, and prominent members of FPCCI, also shared their perspectives on regional trade cooperation.

During the event, participants expressed strong commitment to supporting and enhancing trade relations between Pakistan and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The guests assured technical, financial, and institutional support to promote sustainable business linkages and endorsed the initiative led by Chairman Pakistan SADC Chamber Trade Federation Mr. Muhammad Rafiq Memon, President Sindh Chapter Mr. Shoaib Qadri, and Vice President Pakistan Mr. Syed Moiz.

A productive and forward-looking discussion was held on the expansion of Pakistan’s trade, with particular focus on Africa—an emerging yet underutilized market due to structural and market-related challenges. Mr. Sheharyar Taj reaffirmed TDAP’s commitment to increasing Pakistan’s trade volume with African countries and exploring new and emerging markets for Pakistani exporters.

Valuable insights were also shared by Mr. Shujaat Ali and Mr. Ibrahim Khalid Tawab, who highlighted Africa’s vast trade potential and emphasized the importance of a structured, private-sector-led approach, supported by diplomatic engagement, to strengthen Pakistan–Africa economic relations.

A grand seafood buffet dinner was served to the guests. The event concluded at 10:00 pm on a positive note, with participants expressing satisfaction over the meaningful dialogue and renewed commitment toward expanding Pakistan’s trade footprint in Africa.