KARACHI: Honorary Consul of Malawi in Karachi Abdullah Zaki has called on Pakistani businesses to explore opportunities in Malawi and wider African markets, describing the region as an emerging trade frontier with significant untapped potential.
Addressing a meeting at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Zaki said Pakistani exporters should diversify beyond traditional markets and establish direct trade links with African countries instead of relying on intermediary markets.
“Products costing merely 25 cents in Pakistan are being sold in Malawi for as much as 95 cents, highlighting the potential margins available through direct exports,” he said, stressing the need for Pakistani businesses to develop direct commercial channels with Malawi and other African economies.
Zaki noted that while many Pakistani exporters traditionally focus on markets in Europe, North America and other established destinations, Africa, particularly Malawi, offered considerable opportunities for growth.
He said a significant volume of goods reaching Malawi through Dubai originated from Pakistan and other South Asian countries, adding that Pakistan should capture greater value by developing direct export links with African markets.
Sharing developments since assuming the role of Honorary Consul, Zaki said exports of several Pakistani products, including bangles and jute goods, had already begun to Malawi. He added that Pakistan’s exports to Malawi had grown by 7.0 per cent over the past two years, reflecting increasing acceptance of Pakistani products in the African market.
Encouraging the business community to explore new trade avenues, Zaki said his consulate was available to facilitate exporters through market information, trade guidance and business networking.
“My office is always open for any businessman seeking information or assistance regarding Malawi. We are just one phone call away and fully committed to strengthening bilateral trade relations,” he said.
Highlighting Pakistan’s image in Malawi, Zaki said Pakistani businesses, particularly the Memon community, had earned recognition through their entrepreneurial activities. He added that the presence of Pakistani entrepreneurs had contributed to strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
