Nepalese Ambassador Explores Trade Prospects in Sialkot, Pakistan

A visit of the Nepalese Ambassador to the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry was made which had discussions with its President, Mr. Abdul Ghafoor Malik, as well as with its executive committee members.

The head of the Ashraf Group of Companies & a renowned entrepreneur, Mr. Ijaz Khokhar, personally invited the ambassador to his home. Ijaz shared with the ambassador intelligence information about the diverse industrial abilities during this visit.

The ambassador expressed his admiration for the entrepreneurial spirit of Sialkot, which is the center city for sports goods, surgical instruments, and culinary cutlery in Pakistan. He expressed his intention to replicate Sialkot’s business models in Nepal. He gave an invitation to the local business community to be a part of the upcoming events in Nepal namely - the Chamber Expo which is to be held in March and the Investment Summit which is scheduled for April of 2024.

He also stressed that Sialkot’s entrepreneurs and Nepali counterparts require such collaboration to open the way for mutual promotion of bilateral trade, investment opportunities and technological partnerships – initiatives that the Nepali government is fully prepared to facilitate through various ways of support including foreign direct investment assistance. He stated that Sialkot has evolved from a small town to a world-class business city, which he attributed to the successive efforts, innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit among its people.

Echoing his role as Nepal’s envoy to Pakistan, he stressed the necessity for enhanced economic relationships between the two nations exploring mutually beneficial business prospects. Celebrating a recent milestone in export trade—Nepal’s successful shipment of six containers filled with Nepali tea to Pakistan—he envisaged that such meetings would greatly benefit both countries' business communities and bolster cooperative ties.

The ambassador underlined Nepal’s status as a prominent tourist destination in South Asia and extended an invitation not only for professional visits but also for holiday retreats with family and friends; promising Pakistani citizens warm hospitality combined with a visitor-friendly visa policy. He added that Nepali Sherpas are consistently lending their expertise to Pakistani climbers while also hosting numerous international mountaineers each year—a practice that benefits both communities.

Mr. Abdul Ghafoor Malik graciously received the ambassador at SCCI headquarters. Celebrating 64 years of amicable diplomatic relations between Nepal and Pakistan built on mutual respect, a profound understanding and joint aspirations towards peace and prosperity, he called for concerted efforts to strengthen economic connections between both countries highlighting several untapped opportunities.

Amidst his engagements at Sialkot, the ambassador also toured leading manufacturing facilities including 'Forward', which produces FIFA World Cup footballs; 'Elmed', known for its surgical equipment; and 'Rajco', which specializes in sports garments.

Sialkot is characterized by its vigorous industry situated within a population base of approximately 700,000; it boasts an impressive export value of $2.5 billion U.S. dollars annually—primarily sports merchandise, medical apparatuses, and culinary hardware—accounting for ten percent of Pakistan's total exports. Labeled as the hub of football manufacturing globally accounting for seventy percent of worldwide supply; it is associated with leading brands such as Adidas, Nike, Reebok, and Puma among others. 

This dynamic city owes much of its export prowess to small-scale manufacturers who significantly contribute employment opportunities and command substantial economic influence locally. Sialkot has independently invested in infrastructure like airports and dry ports through private sector initiatives to foster its booming commerce.