The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has pledged comprehensive technical support to the Pakistan SADC Chamber Trade Federation (PSCTF) for the forthcoming Pak-Africa Trade and Investment Summit 2026, scheduled to take place in Karachi. This collaboration aims to bolster trade relations through data-driven policy planning, a critical step for enhancing economic ties with African nations.
The commitment emerged from a pivotal meeting in Karachi on April 24, where a delegation from the PSCTF, including Shoaib Qadri, President Sindh; Syed Moizuddin, Senior Vice President Pakistan; and Sheikh Aqeel, General Secretary Sindh, met with Dr. Naeem uz Zafar, Chief Statistician at the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The discussions centred on strategic collaboration and data provision for the Summit, according to information today.
During their engagement, both sides emphasised the paramount importance of data-driven policy planning for cultivating stronger trade relations between Pakistan and African nations. Dr. Naeem uz Zafar, for his part, assured complete cooperation in providing comprehensive statistical insights, pertinent trade data, and key economic indicators to support the Summit”s objectives.
The PSCTF representatives highlighted the burgeoning potential of Pakistan-Africa trade ties and their critical significance in the prevailing economic climate. Mr. Qadri further briefed Dr. Naeem uz Zafar on the ongoing preparations for the 2026 Conference, confirming that the FPCCI, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry, among other relevant trade bodies, have already been brought on board to facilitate a successful event.
The Chief Statistician commended the Pakistan SADC Chamber Trade Federation for its dedication to boosting trade volumes with African countries. He voiced his expectation that the upcoming trade conference in Karachi, spearheaded by the PSCTF, would indeed pave the way for expanded trade and investment opportunities between Pakistan and the African continent.