By Maureen Okon

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has promised to take all necessary steps to facilitate the ease of doing business between the two countries.

Chief Executive Officer of TDAP Mr Muhammad Motiwala made the promise while speaking at a meeting with Nigerian entrepreneurs participating in the 2024 Engineering and Healthcare Show held in Lahore in the State of Punjab, Pakistan.

The meeting was organised in furtherance of efforts by both countries to strengthen their partnership.

Motiwala told the 65 Nigerian businessmen and women at the meeting, at the close of the show, that Pakistan is pleased with the depth of partnership with Nigeria.

He assured the Nigerian delegation that TDAP would look into some of the areas of concern it had identified in the course of the show to promote the transfer of knowledge between both countries for mutual benefits.

Responding, Mr Tajudden Dantata, the Chairman of Afrimeridion Business Limited, lauded TDAP for the efforts it had made in connecting the business bridge with Nigeria in particular and Africa as a whole.

He urged TDAP to.put all necessary efforts in place to make the transfer of technology and exchange of knowledge the major focus of both countries’ collaboration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that many of the Nigerian businessmen and women took and companies took advantage of the opportunities offered by the show to strike many deals and sign Memorandum of Understanding with TDAP across many sectors. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

By Maureen Okon

The Chief Executive Officer of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Mr Muhammad Motiwala, has urged participants in a healthcare show in Lahore to help spread the good news of Pakistan as a friendly country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports on Thursday that the official made the call at the 2024 Engineering and Healthcare show in the city of Lahore from Jan. 18 to Jan. 20 at the State of Punjab.

NAN reports that the event, in its third edition, attracted business delegations from Africa, Central Asia and other parts of the world.

The event is showcasing products and manufacturers from sectors like minerals and marbles, chemical, safety equipment, gems and jewelries, sports goods, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural machinery.

Participants were also drawn from the automotive, cutlery and cookware, fans, mobile and electricals appliances, furniture and mattresses and construction materials.

Motiwala urged participants to help spread the good news of Pakistan’s good products and good prices as well as the hospitality they experience from their host, saying the moves would change the negative perception the world has about Pakistan.

“I urge you all to help change the narrative of Pakistan as a war zone country, but as a friendly country which opens its doors to all.

“A country with four seasons, plain fields, mountain and rivers, a country with 54 million hectares of cultivatable lands amongst others.

“As a country trying to do its best to meet with global best practices, and at TDAP, we are trying to export capabilities of Pakistani exporters.

“Our requirement is on how to compete in the international market; we are taking every step to see we achieve that by producing quality goods of international standard to suit the world market,” he said.

NAN reports that TDAP, in a bid to entertain its guests, orgainsed a cultural dinner to honour the delegates attending the expo with traditional instrumental music played by a band, called the Quadrum Musical Band.

Speaking with NAN, the band leader, Mr Atif Saeed, said the band was formed by four men who had a common interest – the love of music.

He added that the quartet have been playing in Pakistan and some few countries for the purpose of entertainment.

“Some of our drums are from West Africa called the `Djembe’. This is also one of West Africa’s best instruments which bring people together,” he said.

NAN reports that Djembe, a goblet-shaped drum, is traditionally carved from a single piece of African hardwood and topped with an animal skin as the drumhead.

In western understanding, the drum belongs to the membranophone class of instruments in the percussion family.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vincent Obi

By Maureen Okon

Mr Mohammed Motiwala, Chief Executive of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), says Pakistan is expanding its business outreach to enhance export to Africa and other countries across the world.

Motiwale made this known on Thursday at the 3rd Edition of Engineering and Healthcare Show, organised by TDAP in Lahore.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event attracted business delegations from Africa, Central Asia and other parts of the world.

The event has products and manufacturers from the sectors including minerals and marbles; chemical; safety equipment; gems and jewelries; sports goods; pharmaceuticals; and agricultural machinery.

Participants were also drawn from the automotive, cutlery and cookware, fans, mobile and electricals appliances, furniture and mattresses and construction materials.

The event, scheduled from Jan. 18 to Jan. 20 at the Expo Centre in Lahore, has 53 countries in attendance.
Motiwala said that the primary objective of the event was to expand Pakistani’s export basket.

He said the event was also initiated to enhance Pakistani’s business outreach to Africa and the world, especially for its nontraditional export products.

According to him, TDAP is presenting top engineering and healthcare products by leading Pakistani manufacturers and exporters to international buyers.

“TDAP has adopted a comprehensive approach to trade development, going beyond conventional trade promotion methods.

“This expo is attracting business delegations from all corners of the world, including, Africa and central Asia, with the aim of supporting our exporters in fostering economic linkages and promoting international business collaboration.

“The exhibition focuses on Pakistani’s non-traditional products sectors, specifically in engineering and pharmaceutical.

“This is in alignment with the government’s priorities of promoting sectoral development and supporting our exporters in enhancing their international footprint in products that have a major share in the global trade,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Maharazu Ahmed

By Maureen Okon

Nigerian businessmen and women arrived in the Republic of Pakistan on Thursday to participate in the 3rd Engineering and Healthcare Show 2024 scheduled to be held in Punjab, Lahore.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 65 entrepreneurs from three Nigerian cities – Lagos, Kano, and Abuja – are attending the show, tagged Pak Expo.

The Nigerian entrepreneurs will be expected to explore the opportunities that would be on show at the Expo in the following sectors, namely: pharmaceutical, construction equipment, medical, cosmetic, jewellery, automotive, chemical, electrical, and electronic.

NAN can also report that no fewer than 52 countries are being represented at the Expo with Nigeria leading the pack with the highest number of participants.

Some of the Nigerian entrepreneurs told NAN that their priority area of attention is to leverage the ease of doing business.

They said that they would use the opportunity available at this year’s Expo in Lahore to strengthen the existing bilateral relations between Pakistan and Nigeria.

The show is scheduled to take place in Lahore, Pakistan from Jan. 18-20, 2024.

Highlighting the prowess of Pakistan’s engineering, mineral, and healthcare, this show is the largest showcase of Pakistan’s engineering and healthcare products and technologies to a global audience. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Fortune Abang

Senator John Owan-Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development, has affirmed the commitment to placing entertainment and culture at the forefront of sports development in Nigeria.

The pledge was made during a reception organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) for National Basketball Association (NBA) legends Lisa Leslie and Chinenye Ogwumike in Abuja.

Leslie and Chiney, members of President Joe Biden’s inaugural Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement, are currently in Nigeria to provide valuable guidance aimed at strengthening cultural, social, political, and economic ties between the U.S. and Africa.

Their visit also seeks to promote trade, investment, and educational exchanges between the U.S. and Africa.

The Minister emphasised the significance of diversifying sports beyond football, citing the remarkable performance of Nigerian talents in the NBA and WNBA.

He expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration between sports, entertainment, and culture, highlighting their collective role in the significant improvement of the sports sector.

Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, commended Leslie and Chiney for their dedication to fostering sports talent growth in Africa.

She pledged ongoing engagement with the duo to promote sports talent not only in Nigeria but across the entire continent.

Gbemisola Abudu, NBA Vice-President Africa, underscored Nigeria’s rich basketball talent pool and its commercial potential.

She acknowledged the historical achievements of African descent players in the NBA and WNBA, emphasising the broader impact on both talent and commerce.

Tochukwu Ebere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, celebrated the legends’ achievements, recognising Nigeria’s accomplishments in various fields and commending their sports resilience.

Ambassador Samson Itegboje, representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, praised NiDCOM for organising the event to honor Leslie and Chiney.

He hailed the legends for their unparalleled success, resilience, and dedication to making a positive impact globally.

The event showcased the intersection of sports, entertainment, and culture, highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to fostering excellence in the sports sector. (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Halima Sheji