PECO News (Abuja – 22^nd September 2013):

Reference to our request and     subsequent follow ups by all stake holders including Pakistan High Commission, Nigeria & Nigeria High Commission, Pakistan, PECO and Pharmaceutical companies,  the NAFDAC (National Agency of Food & Drug Administration and Control), Nigeria finally arrived at Pakistan for desired inspection that are prerequisite for business in Nigeria. The high-powered 11 member delegation in leadership of Director General NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii accompanied by  Director Narcotics and control Drugs, Federal Chairman of Task force to  counterfeit drugs, Drug analysts,  microbiologists, biochemists and chemists  made week long inspection of pharmaceutical companies. The PECO played role of coordinator to NAFDAC to ensure this visit a great success.  The following companies were inspected and found OK as per international standards of pharmaceuticals manufacturing:

1. Nabiqasim Industries (Pvt.) Ltd., Karachi, Pakistan
2. Getz Pharma, Karachi, Pakistan
3. Ferozsons Laboratories Limited, Nowshera, Pakistan
4. BF Bio-sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
5. Novamed Pharmaceuticals (Pvt.) Ltd., Lahore, Pakistan
6. Indus Pharmaceuticals, Karachi, Pakistan
7. Novins International, Karachi, Pakistan
8. MBL Pharma, Hub, Pakistan
9. Selmore Pharma, Lahore, Pakistan
10. Hilton Pharma, Karachi, Pakistan

Few companies like Pharmatec Pakistan, Karachi and Faisal Pharma, Faisalabad excused from inspection as no notice had been served to them for inspection. The Amros Pharma absconded without any information. All their phone numbers and contact e-mails remain unanswered to both NAFDAC as well as PECO.

Dated: 22 September 2013

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

PECO News (Abuja – 27^th July 2013):

After hectic untiring efforts of Nigeria High Commission (NHC), Pakistan , Pakistan High Commission (PHC), Nigeria and PakistanExport Company PECO, the dream comes true to increase possibilities of trade between Pakistan & Nigeria &  now it is  finally decided to arrange Trade delegation from Pakistan to improve trade between two greens. The Pakistan Trade Delegation to Nigeria is the first step towards to this said objective of bilateral trade improvement. The Pakistan Export Company – PECO will act as coordinator and shorty contact all already invited investors by Nigeria High Commission (NHC), Islamabad, Pakistan. The program which was planned earlier has been amended and made it more beneficial to the investors. The reviseddetails will be made available to all stake holders (Delegation participants, Pakistan High Commission (PHC), Nigeria High Commission (NHC), and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan positively before 1^st of August 2013. In this regards Nigeria High Commission also planned to host a GRAND DINNER in all major cities of Pakistan. As per available unconfirmed details from inside sources the NIGERIA FEDRAL GOVERNMENT is ready to host all Pakistan trade delegation participants inside Nigeria with accommodation, Transport & food beside comprehensive program agenda to attract investors of both countries.

Dated: 27 July 2013

PECO News (Abuja – 26^th July 2013):

The Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan Mr. Ahmed Ali Sirohey who called on Permanent  Secretary Foreign Affairs, Nigeria on his invitation for strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria. It was informed by Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan at Nigeria that the continue efforts of Pakistan High Commission, Nigeria bring positive results for improvement of bilateral trade & its development. The Nigerian Government allows Pakistan High Commission at Abuja to establish its commercial office in Lagos with VISA consular section to facilitate Nigeria Business community. During meeting it was also agreed to join hands for immediate possibilities of improvement of bilateral trade between Pakistan & Nigeria with basic emphasis on quality with economy. It was also informed to Amb. (Dr.) Martin that Trade Delegation to Nigeria will reach Nigeria in August, 2013 in leadership of Nigeria High Commission, Pakistan that is effectively coordinated by PECO. The permanent Secretary anticipated that PECO will continue to work that enhance possibilities of business between Pakistan & Nigeria. The Permanent Secretary Foreign Affairs, Nigeria, appreciated the efforts made by PECO in this regard. The meeting was concluded on note of pledge to enhance bilateral cooperation between Pakistan & Nigeria.

Dated: 26 July 2013

PECO News (Abuja – 19^th July 2013):

Detailed discussions were held for Pakistani businessmen Delegation proposed visit to Nigeria, with Federal Ministry of Trade & Investment, Nigeria in presence of High Commissioner of Pakistan, Lt. Gen. ® Ashraf Saleem and High Commissioner of Nigeria at Pakistan Amb. Dauda Danladi at Pakistan High Commission, Abuja, Nigeria. The relevant Trade Ministry of Nigeria assured of its best cooperation during proposed delegation visit to Nigeria. It was also assured that all relevant Development Authorities of Nigeria will also be taken on board for best results. The Director PECO informed that Pakistan Trade authorities were also on board regarding the trip. In reply to the quarry by Pakistan High Commissioner at Nigeria, the Director PECO & Amb. Danladi confirmed that major chambers of Commerce & Industry are informed & invited for trade delegation. It is anticipated that the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Ministry of Commerce, Board of Investments Punjab, All Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Pakistan, various trade associations, leading Industrialists & SME traders shown keen interest to play their respective role in development of bilateral trade between Pakistan & Nigeria.

Dated: 19 July 2013

PECO News (Abuja – 18^th July 2013):

It was announced by Chairperson PECO that Visit of Director PECO at Nigeria for arrangements of proposed Pakistani delegation may bring success in bilateral trade of Pakistan & Nigeria. The Director Pakistan Export Company PECO, Mr. Ibrahim Bin Maqsood, had introductory meeting with High Commissioner of Pakistan at Nigeria, his Excellency, Lt. Gen. ® Ashraf Saleem at Pakistan High Commission Abuja, Nigeria. During meeting the director PECO elaborated PECO – its functions, achievements, proposed visit of Pakistan investors to Nigeria & investment possibilities sectors for business entrepreneurs of two brother countries. The High Commissioner of Pakistan at Nigeria briefed Director PECO on various business options, available resources best utilization, limitations of Pakistan High Commission and opportunities for bilateral trade.

Dated: 18 July 2013

PECO News (Karachi – 29^th April 2013):

Deputy Ambassador of Pakistan at Nigeria Mr. Ahmed Ali Sirohey had detailed meeting with CEO of Deep Rock Drilling (DRD) Mr. Ismail Hassan and General Manager Mr. Syed Ghulam Ahmed to discuss possibilities of maturing a million dollar project at Nigr Republic for Drilling which is obtained by PECO from presidency of Nigr. The Deputy Ambassador Sirohey explains the project and possibilities of business at Nigr Republic with complete facts & figures. The CEO DRD Mr. Ismail Hassan asked different questions and tried to remove his reservations for investment in that part of globe. He also explains his company existence and basic business profile which was appreciated by Deputy Ambassador Sirohey. The PECO director Mr. Ibrahim Bin Maqsood also explains the project to DRD for execution. The meeting was concluded on the note of common understanding of trust & confidence while moving forward. The set for desired replies was handed over to PECO by DRD which will be replied shortly.

Dated: 29 April 2013

PECO News (Karachi – 28^th April 2013):

Deputy Ambassador of Pakistan at Nigeria Mr. Ahmed Ali Sirohey along with Director PECO Mr. Ibrahim Bin Maqsood had a meeting with CEO of Shaukat & Raza Ltd. Mr. Imran Shaikh at local Restaurant to discuss ways & means for improvement of business ties between Pakistan & Nigeria. Deputy Ambassador Mr. Sirohey reiterated Pakistan high Commission stance to facilitate all interested companies willing to do business at Nigeria with its complete supports that may bring bilateral trade improvement between Pakistan & Nigeria. He explained the opportunities available for Pakistani firms to acquire their better share from this African developing multi billion market. Mr. Shaikh of S&R Ltd had shown his willingness for more investment in Nigeria. He had shown his desire to become a first Pakistan company to establish workshop for providing technical supports to local industrialist in fields of Power generation and agro allied industry. Deputy Ambassador Sirohey welcomes commitment from Mr. Shaikh and advice PECO Director Mr. Ibrahim Bin Maqsood to bring more companies to Nigeria. As usual PECO reassure its commitment for carrying out basic agenda for bilateral trade improvement.

Dated: 28 April 2013

PECO News – Rawalpindi (22-04-13)

The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industries (RCCI) invited H.E Ambassador of Nigeria at Pakistan, Mr. Dauda Danladi for improvement in bilateral trade. The meeting was started by the welcome note of President RCCI, Mr. Manzar Khurshid Shaikh. On this occasion Amb. Danladi invited Deputy Ambassador of Pakistan at Nigeria Mr. Ahmed Ali Sirohey and Director PECO Mr. Ibrahim Bin Maqsood to accompany him during meeting with Chamber. Deputy Ambassador Mr. Sirohey and Director PECO Mr. Ibrahim accepted the invitation and become the part of the delegation. The delegation comprises of HOC Minister. Grema G. S. Gana, Minister Ahmed M. Gusau, First secretory Mr. Abiodun Salisu Fele also attended the meeting. H.E Amb. Danladi emphasized the need of improvement in bilateral trade between two countries. He also presented the documentary that clear the concept for opportunities available in Nigeria for Pakistani business people. Deputy Ambassador of Pakistan at Nigeria, Mr. Ahmed Ali Sirohey speaking on the occasion explained the facts and figures to clear the concept of Pakistan business people interested in investment, revenue required and profit earning while doing the business in Nigeria. The vote of thanks was presented by Senior Vice President RCCI, Ch. Pervaiz A. Warriach.

Dated: 22April 2013