Foreign news
Beauty West Africa exhibition begins in Lagos with 16 Pakistani companies, others
The Beauty West Africa Exhibition begins in Lagos, the commercial city of Nigeria where 16 Pakistani companies, 30 delegations and other exhibitors are in attendance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 7th edition of the exhibition is scheduled to hold from Nov. 26 to 28.
The 2024 event is termed as the biggest of the beauty exhibition in recent years with more companies and exhibitors showcasing hair care products, cosmetics, herbal and organic products among others.
Also, Retired Maj.-Gen. Sohail Khan, the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria would be addressing the high level delegation during the programme.
The Pakistani delegations would be looking forward to a robust outing as business exchange, signing of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) and synergies would be established.
Speaking with NAN on the sidelines of the event, Mr Samnoon Basraa, the Pakistani Trade Attache to Nigeria, said that he was glad to be in Nigeria, participating in the West Africa beauty exhibition to showcase his country’s products.
He said that the government of Pakistan strengthened its focus within African policy since it was formulated in 2017.
He added that since the policy was made, the trade volume between Nigeria and Pakistan had gradually increased.
“Our total trade is increasing, and if you compare the first four months of this fiscal year, from July to October, with the previous year, Pakistani exports have increased by 48 per cent and similarly, Pakistani imports from Nigeria are also increasing.
“Pakistan values are imports of liquefied natural gas and soya bean from Nigeria, which is gradually increasing as well, ‘’he said.
Speaking on the huge demand for beauty products, Samnoon said that both countries’ beauty products and cosmetics offer cost effective, cheap, and good quality products .
“Most Pakistani companies at the exhibition are working towards investing in Nigeria. They are not just in Nigeria to increase on our exports alone, it’s both ways.
“So, this is just the first time that 16 companies were invited by the Lagos State government to participate at the West Africa Beauty Exhibition.
“This shows progress and they are receiving very good responses from the Nigerian market, while some of them are already here registered in Nigeria while others are interested in registering in Nigeria,’’ he said.
NAN also reports that over 300 companies from 52 countries were currently participating at the exhibition in Lagos.
NAN
Foreign news
Pakistan Moves to Deepen Diplomatic, Economic Relations With Nigeria
The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has called for deeper diplomatic and economic ties with the Nigerian government to foster development for both countries.
Mr Rana Ihsaan, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Pakistan made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during his working vist to Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.
NAN reports that the visiting Coordinator held a closed-door meeting with Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
After the meeting, he said that both both sides had agreed on deepening relations in the areas of trade and commerce, among others.
Ihsaan said that both countries must see the need to accelerate efforts towards a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
He said that Pakistan had already submitted a draft BTA and was awaiting Nigeria’s response.
According to him, discussions centered on easing visa processes, expanding educational exchanges, and strengthening Cooperation in sectors such as Minerals, Youth training, and Defence were highlighted.
Ihsaan said that Pakistan had already implemented visa-on-arrival for Nigerians at no cost, and urged Nigeria to reciprocate to enhance people-to-people ties.
He stressed the importance of high-level engagements between both nations, describing Nigeria and Pakistan as very similar countries with large populations, youthful demographics, and vast economic potentials.
“Deeper collaboration will unlock opportunities in trade, education and investment, while further solidifying long-standing diplomatic relations,” he said.
He said that aside from visiting the foriegn Minister and other top government officials in Nigeria, he was also in the country to attend the on-going West Africa Beauty Exhibition holding in Lagos.
He described the exhibition as one of the continent’s largest cosmetic fairs, adding that he led a delegation of 19 Pakistani business people exploring Nigeria’s estimated 10 million dollar beauty and cosmetics market.
Ihsaan said that Nigeria was a gateway to Africa, adding that Pakistani products, like cosmetics, Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, Food items and Sports goods were already gaining traction in the country.
He encouraged Pakistani exhibitors to establish offices, Warehouses and logistics partnerships to strengthen their foothold in the Nigerian market.
Ihsaan further addressed concerns from Nigerian businesses on the ease of doing business in Pakistan.
He said that the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan had been supporting Nigerian participants at major exhibitions to achieve the ease of doing business.
“The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) serves as a one-stop platform for Nigerians interested in investing in Pakistan,” he said
Culled from NAN
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