PECO News (Abuja – 06^th September 2013):

The trade delegation formation was done by Nigeria High Commission, Islamabad, Pakistan in coordination of Pakistan Export Company PECO. The Pakistan trade Delegation trip was commencing on 25-08-2013 from Karachi & Islamabad & rounded up on 04-09-13 at Lagos. The trade delegation comprises of 32 trade delegates from Pakistan mainly Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore, Sialkot & Peshawar. The basic objective set for trade delegates was to “explore Nigeria for bilateral business”. It was observed that entire trip was targeted to courtesy calls to Governors instead Trade governing bodies of Nigeria except meetings with Chambers of Commerce of visited states. The High level meetings were with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister for Federal capital territory, The Executive Governors of Kaduna, Gombe & Borno, the Deputy Governors of Kano & Bayelsa. The major commercial towns of Nigeria were not visited including Enugu & Onitsha (Abia state & Anambra state) & Lagos market & Kano market (But states were visited). The whole time was 10 days, out of which 3 days were spent in Maiduguri, 2 days each to Abuja & Kano whereas Kaduna state & Gombe state overnight. The major trade relevant bodies were not represented at major session by their Chief Executives / Director Generals at Abuja like NIPC, NAFDAC, CUSTOMS & no representation from CBN. There was no single federal Minister in attendance while mentioned 4 in program. The trip found beneficial to Tractor dealer & pharmaceuticals as pledges were made for CONTRACT businesses by state governments. There were also SELF solo efforts of trade delegates dealing in textiles, Sports & Surgical goods to ensure business during business forums. Few delegates made step forward by taking appointments with parties at Lagos & other towns. For that very reason the trade delegates were not in full attendance in state visited. They follow self-movement schedule at their own. The trip was too hectic in terms of travelling and has extended road journeys. The major part of trip was passed with courtesy calls. The trade delegates were STUCK-UP at Maiduguri (no telecommunication as well as less flight operation) for 3 nights. The Business forum conducted were unable to bring EXPECTED FAST TRACK results for Trade delegates but still optimistic for good level business in future as pledges offered by various traders.The hospitality & security were absolutely fine & appreciable. Specially at Borno & Kaduna. The accommodation was GOOD with few exceptions while travel arrangements were average.

Dated: 06 September 2013