March 10, 2006	Friday	Safar 9, 1427

KARACHI, March 9: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Thursday called for signing of a free trade with South Africa to fully exploit potential of trade between two countries.

In a meeting with South African High Commissioner Daniel Jabulani Mavimbela, FPCCI acting president Akbar Abdullah said bilateral trade did not reflect the friendly relations between the two counties.

At present Pakistan was exporting textile yarn, fabrics, articles of apparel and cloth accessories, rice, leather and leather manufactures and chemicals, while imports include raw sugar, iron and steel, tea, organic chemical, etc.

He stressed the need for exchange of trade delegations and holding of “single country” exhibitions in each other’s country to promote interaction between businessmen of the two countries.

The high commissioner said his country was also interested in improving trade and economic relations with Pakistan where a lot of opportunities for collaboration were available.—APP