Ethiopia-Pakistan Business Forum kicks off in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, May 27, 2024 (FBC) – The Ethiopia-Pakistan Business Consultation Forum held in Addis Ababa today under the motto “connecting historic countries through trade and investment”.

The event was opened by State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano.

More than 80 Pakistani businessmen, Ethiopian Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Gebremeskel Chala, Chief Commissioner of Ethiopian Investment Commission, Ms Hanna Arayasellasie, CEO of Industrial Parks Development Corporation, Mr. Aklilu Taddese, other senior officials from various government institutions, and representatives from the Pakistan Chamber of Commerce are participating at the forum.

Mohammad Zubair Motiwala, the Chief executive of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, officials of various cities’ Chambers of Commerce and Industry and 80 investors were also in attendance from the Pakistani side.

Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, in her opening remarks, stated that Ethiopia and Pakistan have long-standing relations and the business forum will play significant role in enhancing the ever growing diplomatic and economic relations.

The State Minister further expressed that Ethiopia’s sustained economic development, favourable investment climate, Homegrown Economic Reform Program, wide market and strategic position are among the factors that make Ethiopia an ideal destination for investment and called upon Pakistani investors to utilize these lucrative investment opportunities.

Mr. Gebremeskel Chala, the Minister of Trade and Regional Integration of Ethiopia on his part said that Ethiopia is a country of vast trade and investment opportunities.

He added that the conducive investment climate and reforms made based on Home Grown Economic Reform Program will create favourable business opportunities for Pakistani investors.

Mohammad Zubair Motiwala, Chief executive of Pakistani Trade Development on his part stated that the members of the business delegation are engaged in ICT, mining, leather and leather products, agriculture, industry, textile, pharmaceutical, aviation and other sectors in Pakistan and remarked that the investors should take advantage of the vast and diverse investment opportunities in Ethiopia.

The delegation will visit selected industrial parks and conduct business to business consultations with its Ethiopian counterparts during its six days of stay in Ethiopia.

It is stated that the event aims to bolster bilateral relations and enhance trade and economic ties between Ethiopia and Pakistan.