ISLAMABAD: The Mini­stry of Commerce (MoC) will hold the second Pakistan-Africa Trade Develop­ment Conference (PATDC) in Lagos, Nigeria from Nov 23-25 as part of its product and geographical diversification initiatives under the ‘Look Africa’ policy.

A single country exhibition will also be held on the occasion, the ministry said on Friday.

An official announcement said that so far 113 leading Pakistani companies representing textiles, cosmetics, leather, food, pharmaceuticals, tractors, electrical appliances, fans, cable, steel, surgical, paint, chemicals, IT and sports sectors have confirmed their participation in the event.

The first PATDC was held at Nairobi, Kenya to cater to East African countries. The organisation of the second PATDC was delayed in view of the travel restrictions amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The second PATDC is being held to cater to the Western part of Africa. Buyers from 15 countries of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Economic Community of West African States, including Nigeria, Niger, Senegal, Ghana, Togo, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Guinea etc. have been invited. Buyers from all the Nigerian States are invited.

Published in Dawn, October 30th, 2021