Ethiopia, Pakistan agree on expanding trade relations

Addis Ababa, November 30, 2024 (FBC) – The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have agreed to expand their trade and commerce relations by enhancing connectivity between the two nations, particularity the business community from both the sides, according to the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad.

The crucial discussion on enhancing the trade relations was held during a meeting between Jemal Beker, Ambassador of Ethiopia to Pakistan, and Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister of Pakistan for Commerce, the Embassy said today.

During the meeting, both the sides discussed matters of mutual interest including bilateral cooperation for enhancing the bilateral trade between the two countries that enjoy longstanding brotherly relations.

They also discussed various modalities for forging collaboration among the Ethiopian Embassy Islamabad, the Federal Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan for holding the Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa in 2025.

Ambassador Jemal 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 are 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 briefed the Minister about the Home Grown 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.

Ethiopia is a gateway to Africa which is a huge market of more than 1.4 billion population, he said, while underscoring 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.

On the other hand, the Minister said the Ministry of Commerce, and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan is making all the necessary preparation regarding the Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa.

He said the Government of Pakistan is committed to Look Africa and Engage Africa Policy and has been taking all possible steps to strengthen its relations with the African countries including Ethiopia which is growth star of the African Continent, registering consistent economic growth under the leadership of Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed.