ISLAMABAD: An Islamabad-based think tank has launched a ‘digital diplomacy’ initiative in coordination with the foreign office and business community to boost trade and cultural ties with African countries as well as for image building of Pakistan there.

The initiative was launched by Centre of Pakistan and International Relations (COPAIR) by DG Foreign Office Africa Naeem Khan.

Mr Khan spoke about the relations of Pakistan with various African nations and also gave the historical view of Pakistan-Morocco relations.

He highlighted the potentials for further strengthening the political and economic relations between the two countries and gave a brief review about the recent high level talks between Pakistan and Morocco.

Moroccan Ambassador Mohamed Karmoune highlighted the important agreements and events of the journey of friendship.

He also mentioned various opportunities of commerce and trade between the two countries such as developing joint ventures.

The speakers also stressed the need for promotion of cultural ties between the two Muslim nations.

Amna Malik, President COPAIR, briefed the audience about digital diplomacy and how social influencers can be encouraged to be the digital ambassadors to project the positive image of Pakistan with the help of digital diplomacy platform.

She believed digital tourism can promote socio-cultural relations between the two countries.

The speakers stressed upon the youth to become digital diplomat to serve Pakistan and establish stronger relations between Pakistan and Morocco as well as other countries.

Earlier the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has stressed for stronger trade and commerce ties with the countries in African continent.

ICCI President Mohammad Shakeel Munir said Africa was a huge market, which still remains untapped and emphasised that the government should focus on African countries to boost its trade and exports.

He said Pakistan has formulated the ‘Look Africa Policy’ which should be fully implemented to improve trade relations with African region.

He said that Pakistan has good potential to export many products to Africa including rice, engineering goods, electrical appliances, textiles, apparel, pharmaceuticals, sports goods, surgical instruments, cutlery, furniture and many more.

The ICCI president said Pakistan can import many products from African countries that offer competitive advantage for import.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2022