Pakistan, South Africa Eye Closer Ties and Job Opportunities for Overseas Pakistanis

Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, held an important meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador to South Africa, Malik Muhammad Farooq, to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing employment opportunities for Pakistanis in South Africa.

The meeting, held in Islamabad, focused on a range of proposals aimed at expanding economic and trade cooperation between the two nations, according to a press release issued on Wednesday.

Focus on Trade, Technology, and Workforce Mobility

Minister Hussain emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to stabilize and grow trade and economic ties between Pakistan and South Africa. He pointed out the significant potential for enhanced cooperation in sectors including:

• Agriculture
• Textiles
• Manufacturing
• Technology

He noted that Pakistan has the capacity to offer a skilled and dedicated workforce, which could greatly benefit South Africa’s growing labor market. The minister also underlined the importance of shared experiences and mutual interests as a solid foundation for expanding bilateral cooperation.

Ambassador Farooq: Africa Is the Future of Global Trade

Ambassador Malik Muhammad Farooq echoed the minister’s views, asserting that Africa represents the future of global trade. He urged Pakistani entrepreneurs and exporters to increase their footprint across African markets, particularly in South Africa, which:

• Is Africa’s second-largest economy
• Is the only African nation in the G20 group
• Offers significant demand for Pakistani products

Ambassador Farooq assured full support to Pakistani traders and businesses seeking to enter or expand in the South African market. He also reiterated his commitment to facilitating employment opportunities for Pakistanis abroad.

Paving the Way for a Stronger Economic Partnership

The meeting reflects Pakistan’s broader strategy to engage more deeply with African economies through its “Look Africa” policy, focusing on trade diversification, labor mobility, and diplomatic engagement.