LAHORE: Pakistani High Commissioner to South Africa Zaigham Udddin Azam has said that Pakistan’s trade future specifically lies in South Africa. He stated this while talking at the first Pakistan fashion and cultural show arranged by Alyzeh Couture, a leading fashion designer from Pakistan.
The fashion and cultural show was attended by a large number of people from diplomatic community, South Africans from different ethnic backgrounds and local expatriate Muslims. H E Madam Dr Feroza Mansoor, wife of Economic Affairs Minister Mr Ebrahim Patel was the chief guest, whereas Mr Cllr Khorombi Dau, MMC for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture was the guest of honor.
The fashion show not only depicted the cultural diversity of Pakistan but also projected Pakistani fabric and Pakistani textile products. The objective of the fashion show was to project the culture of Pakistan in its correct perspective and to explore commonalities which can lead to synergy between local and Pakistani culture. South Africa is inhabited by a decent number of Indians and so influence of Indian culture on South African society is prevalent. This was an attempt by the High Commission to display Pakistani products and Pakistani culture not only to introduce the richness of Pakistani culture but also to explore the niche market for Pakistani textile products. Local South Africans took keen interest in Pakistani textile fabrics and Pakistani products and were pleasantly surprised by first hand introduction to Pakistani culture portrayed through different provincial themes of Pakistan.
Chief guest Dr Feroza Mansoor, while speaking on the occasion, appreciated work of the local designer, quality of Pakistani fabric and particular rich diverse culture of Pakistan. She highlighted the importance of such events in bringing better understanding about Pakistan and Pakistani people in general and Pakistani fabric and culture in particular. Mr Cllr Khorombi Dau, MMC for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture also lauded efforts of the Pakistani designer and praised the designs of Pakistani clothes representing different cultures within Pakistan.
Pakistani High Commissioner Zaigham Uddin Azam, while addressing on the occasion, briefed the audience regarding the immense potential for Pakistani products in South African markets and informed that South Africa with its peculiar geographical location, efficient ports and state of the art infrastructure is a gateway to rest of Africa. It was further opined by the High Commissioner that in order to enter into this niche market, the market dynamics and business practices need to be understood in its correct perspective. South African buyers, according to the High Commissioner, feel comfortable dealing with businessmen when they contract a deal sitting face to face and are more interested in procuring goods locally instead of importing it from other countries.
