Addis Ababa, January 2, 2025 (FMC) – Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer, Mr Faisal Zahid Malik has termed Ethiopia a gateway to Africa which is a huge market of 1.6 billion population having immense potential in diverse areas. He expressed these views during a call-on meeting with Ambassador of Ethiopia Jemal Beker Abdula at his office. Head of Digital Media and Strategy, Pakistan Observer, Mr Saud Faisal Malik was also present in the meeting.
Mr Faisal lauded the efforts the Ethiopian embassy has made soon after establishment of its mission in Islamabad and praised Ambassador Jemal for spearheading various business and trade initiatives that also include visit of the noted Pakistani businessmen and women, members of chambers of commerce and industry and investors to Ethiopia to explore new avenues of cooperation. Ethiopia is registering constant economic growth under the leadership of Prime Minister of Ethiopia Dr. Abiy Ahmed who has introduced ‘homegrown economic reforms’ and the businessmen and investors of both the countries should take advantage of these investment-friendly initiatives in Ethiopia as well as Pakistan.
In Pakistan, too, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has established Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to give special status to the foreign investors and facilitate them in all respects, Mr Faisal remarked. He commended the proactive role of Ambassador Jemal in various public awareness issues such as cleanliness drive over Margallas, green initiatives and participation in health activity of bicycline and walk for various causes. Ambassador, you have indeed set higher standards of diplomacy for your colleagues.
Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker while welcoming Chairman of Pakistan Observer, noted the growing bilateral cooperation in various areas such as finance, trade, culture, aviation, science and technology especially after the opening the Ethiopian Mission in Islamabad. He said the bilateral relations were on upward trajectory, citing recently signed Memoranda of Understanding between the two nations in the areas of business, trade, investment, aviation, science and technology, start of the Ethiopian Airlines operations in Karachi, and exchange of delegations from business, trade, aviation, education, health and cultural sectors.
The ambassador also briefed Mr Faisal Malik about the economic reforms which had shown promising results in Ethiopia, addressing macro-economic imbalances, increasing productivity, creating ease of doing business and providing a conducive environment for attracting the foreign direct investment. He underscored the significance of the Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa which would not only connect the Pakistani traders with the Ethiopian counterparts but also with the African market.
Ambassador Jemal Beker on the occasion praised the role of Pakistan Observer as a major English daily promoting and strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries. In recognition of the newspaper’s exceptional role, he presented a certificate of appreciation to Mr Faisal Malik for his invaluable contributions and relentless efforts to foster Ethio-Pakistan fraternity since the opening of the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad. Later, Mr Faisal Zahid Malik penned down his views and appreciation about Ambassador Jemal’s role and embassy’s positive intiatives.