'Envoys Conference focused on Africa' begins tomorrow

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be hosting a two-day Envoys Conference focused on Africa from November 27-28, according to the Foreign Office.

“In line with the vision of the leadership and priorities of the Government, #MOFA is hosting an Envoys Conference focused on Africa on 27-28 November 2019,” Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal tweeted.

In line with the vision of the leadership and priorities of the Government, #MOFA is hosting an Envoys Conference focused on Africa on 27-28 November 2019 (1/2)#EnvoysConferenceonAfrica

— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) November 26, 2019

“The Conference aims at deepening Pakistan’s engagement with Africa in diverse fields,” he added.

The Conference aims at deepening Pakistan’s engagement with Africa in diverse fields. (2/2)#EnvoysConferenceonAfrica

— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) November 26, 2019

In a separate statement, the spokesperson said, the conference shall bring together the Pakistani envoys posted in Africa with important stakeholders, including senior leadership from relevant ministries and departments and representatives of the private sector.

Africa is the second largest continent of the world with 20% of the world’s landmass and 54 sovereign states, with 1.2 billion people and the largest youth population on the globe. With a collective GDP of over $ 2.3 trillion and an import market of around $ 500 billion, most countries in Africa are witnessing stable growth.

“Due to its rich natural resources and growing middle-class consumer market, the World bank has predicted that most African countries will reach middle income status by 2025. This presents a tremendous opportunity for Pakistani goods and services, ” read the statement.

As part of UN peace-keeping operations, Pakistan has made a significant contribution for peace, security and development on the Continent over the past several decades.

The conference participants shall deliberate on ways and means to further strengthen existing relations with African countries and diversify and deepen political, economic,security and socio cultural ties. It will also provide leading manufacturers, exporters and IT organizations the opportunity to brief the Pakistani Envoys on potential goods and services which can be exported to African markets.

Furthermore, leading academics and representatives of think-tanks will share their perspectives and recommendations.

In addition to the foreign minister, the conference will be addressed inter-alia by Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Chairman, Board of Investment and Governor, State Bank of Pakistan. The conference also envisages interaction with Resident Ambassadors of Africa in Pakistan.

The conference outcomes shall be presented to the Prime Minister in the closing session along with concrete recommendations crafted by the Envoys, proposing a way forward for robust engagement between Pakistan and Africa.