ICCI President, South African envoy firm to promote trade and investment ties
Islamabad: Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Pakistan, 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), which was attended by ICCI Executive Members and representatives from the trade and industrial sectors.
Highlighting the historic and cordial relations between Pakistan and South Africa since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1994, the Acting High Commissioner 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 industrialized 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. Emphasizing 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 untapped potential.
In his welcome address, President ICCI, 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 has shown encouraging growth trends, it remains 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.
He further emphasized that improved connectivity and deeper engagement with the African region under Pakistan’s Look Africa Policy would enable Pakistani exporters and investors to establish a stronger and more sustainable footprint across the continent. He expressed ICCI’s commitment to working closely with the South African High Commission to organize sector-specific interactions, webinars, trade delegations, and business matchmaking initiatives to facilitate meaningful partnerships.
Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub termed the session highly productive, stating that it provided valuable insights into South Africa’s investment climate, trade priorities, and areas of mutual cooperation. Vice President Irfan Chaudhry, in his vote of thanks, described the visit as reflective of the growing importance of economic engagement between Pakistan and South Africa and their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The participants, including former President Mian Shaukat Masood, actively engaged in a question-and-answer session. Prominent attendees included Executive Members Sanaullah Khan, Zulqurnain Abbasi, Imran Minhas, Ishaq Sial, Shumaila Siddiqui, Chairman Inter-Regional Coordination Committee Kashif Zahir, and Chairman ICCI Standing Committee on ASEAN Affairs Chaudhry Mohammad Ali, along with other members of the business community.
