ISLAMABAD - In order to tap the vast potential of trade and investment in the African markets, Pakistan has decided to extend its diplomatic presence in seven more countries of West Africa.

“Pakistan has an embassy in Niger and now non-resident missions in Male, Burkina Faso and Benin are being established which would be working under the Embassy in Niamey”, Pakistan Ambassador to Niger Ali  Ahmed Sarohi told The Nation on telephone from Niamey.

Pakistan has opened a new Embassy in Rwanda and appointed Ambassador Amir Muhammad Khan as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kigali. The mission has been tasked with the diplomatic preparation of the Commonwealth summit which will take place from June 24-25 this year.

“There is huge potential for trade for Pakistan with West African countries”, Ambassador Sarohi said.

He said Pakistan had earlier closed its embassy in Uganda due to austerity measures, and has decided to reopen its embassy in Kampala, which has become an attraction for foreign investments, particularly for Chinese investors. There is also a large number of Pakistanis living in Uganda engaged in various business and trade.

Giving example of India, Ambassador Sarohi said India imports large quantities of raw Cashews from West Africa and after processing them exports to the same region with  four times higher rates. “There is huge potential for Pakistan to invest in setting up medical facilities, universities and registration and database services,” the Ambassador stated. He said there is huge scope for NLC and FWO to build roads and highways in various West African countries.

“Although there is trade between Pakistan and West African countries but not up to the mark of required trade level, which needs to be further reviewed and enhanced”, he said.

The Ambassador said Africa is a good market for Pakistan to export garments, sports goods, textile, medicines and other items.