Muhammad Saleem

Kenya’s rising demand for textiles presents an opportunity for Faisalabad’s industries to expand their reach and tap into this promising market.

Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, President of Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) Rehan Naseem said that the chamber was making efforts to explore new markets, as Pakistani entrepreneurs can meet the requirements of international buyers. He said that Kenya is eager to benefit from Pakistan’s experience, technology and machinery to enhance its exports.

Last month, FCCI welcomed a Kenyan delegation led by Madam Christine Chesaro, Director of Horticulture, Agriculture and Food Authority of Kenya. The delegation met with the members of the chamber and shared business opportunities in their country. Rehan said Ms. Chesaro noted during the meeting that, like Pakistan, Kenya is an agriculture-based economy facing similar challenges, with the majority of its people directly or indirectly linked to the sector.

Rehan said the Kenyan government is making efforts to uplift its agricultural sector, and Pakistani entrepreneurs have a tremendous scope to join hands with Kenyan businessmen in textiles, agriculture and other sectors. He further said that Ms Chesaro expressed Kenya’s desire to export mangoes to Europe, but the fruit fly issue remains a major hurdle in achieving this goal. She said that Kenya is keen to benefit from the expertise of Pakistani specialists.

She also noted that the Kenyan government is considering a proposal to import related machinery from Pakistan, Rehan quoted the Kenyan delegation head as saying.  Muzamal Sultan, FCCI former president, told WealthPK that Africa is a big and promising market. “Most countries there use high-quality fabric and their clothing style is unique.

Men and women wear large pieces of cloth wrapped around them, which creates strong opportunities for the textile industry of Pakistan,” he added. He said that, along with opportunities, there are also challenges. “Some countries and cities in Africa are not safe, making it difficult to do business there.”

“Another major issue is their underdeveloped banking system. Some entrepreneurs of Pakistan have tried to do business but faced difficulties. The same problem once existed in Russia, where weak banking caused money to get stuck – a situation unfavourable for exporters. In addition, many African countries discourage trade in US dollars,” he pointed out.

Muzamal, however, emphasised that efforts must still be made to explore African markets, as this would ultimately strengthen the national economy and create jobs. He added that FCCI also plans to send a delegation to African countries to explore business opportunities there.

Credit: INP-WealthPk