More than 100 Pakistani companies looking for distributors in Africa are expected in Lagos for the Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and single country exhibition holding from November 23 to 25, 2021.

Ali Tamkin Butt, Trade and Investment Attache of the High Commission of Pakistan, said on Sunday in Lagos that 115 countries from Africa and more than 300 delegates were expected at the exhibition that would be held at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island.

“The event shall bring Pakistani, Nigerian and other ECOWAS countries’ businessmen in contact with each other and we expect fruitful interactions that will boost economic growth of all participating nations,” he said.

He said the Pakistani nation would foot the transport and accommodation bills of delegates, adding that local transport companies had been engaged to ease movement from the airport to the venue.

Mr Butt said that the Lagos trade conference was the second after the first in Kenya.

“The first trade conference held in Kenya attracted 18 to 19 nations and was a two-day event. The Lagos event will attract a much larger attendance and will be held for three days,” he said.

He listed sectors for exhibition to include textiles, surgical instruments, beauty and cosmetics, leather products, kitchenware, food and beverages, as well as pharmaceuticals.

Others are automobiles, agriculture, paints and chemicals, sports goods, assorted services, among others.

He said that the event would stimulate a boost in the Lagos economy as hotels and flights would be heavily booked in addition to mass purchase of local goods by the foreign participants.

Mr Butt added that the event was a huge window for economic growth in view of recent difficulties in international travel.

“It is an ideal opportunity to see hundreds of new brands, products, technologies and new innovations.

“It is also a great opportunity to build businesses with new partners, suppliers and technologies,” he added.

Pakistani High Commissioner to Nigeria Muhammad Azam had during a recent visit to Abuja said that the trade conference was “the biggest post-COVID event being organised by Pakistan”, adding that it would be mutually beneficial to both countries.

Mr Azam added that manufacturers and investors would be at the event and would be meeting with the business community in Nigeria.

(NAN)