Ethiopia, Pakistan forging cooperation to hold single country exhibition
ISLAMABAD: Ethiopia and Pakistan decided to expand the bilateral cooperation for holding a successful Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia next year by ensuring a large number of traders from both the sides.
The decision to this effect was taken during a meeting between Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, Special Envoy and Ambassador Extraordinary of Ethiopia to Pakistan, and Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for Commerce.
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 a long standing brotherly relations.
Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker 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, Jam Kamal Khan 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 Dr. Abiy Ahmed.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan said that Pakistan was dedicated to expanding trade relations with Ethiopia and the broader African market.
The discussions focused on bilateral cooperation to ensure the success of the upcoming Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa, scheduled for May 2025, said a press release issued here on Friday.
The minister observed that series of seminar before the exhibition, involving the business communities of both nations to maximize engagement and cooperation are being organized in Pakistan.
Jam Kamal Khan underscored that the Ministry of Commerce, along with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, is actively preparing for the event, which aims to connect Pakistani traders with Ethiopian counterparts and unlock access to Africa’s vast market of 1.4 billion people.
Jam Kamal reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the “Look Africa and Engage Africa Policy,” stressing Ethiopia’s strategic importance as a gateway to the continent and a hub of consistent economic growth.
He highlighted Ethiopia’s impressive economic statistics, including its GDP growth rate of 8.4 percent and the strength of its aviation industry, with 140 fleets under Ethiopian Airlines.
Ambassador Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula provided key insights into Ethiopia’s economic advancements and bilateral cooperation.
He informed that Ethiopia is exporting wheat to international markets and currently operates four weekly flights for Pakistan, with plans to launch direct flights from Lahore and Islamabad soon.
The Ambassador lauded the growing ties between Ethiopia and Pakistan, pointing to recent agreements in trade, business, aviation, and science and technology.
He also highlighted Ethiopia’s, ‘Home Grown Economic Reforms’, fostering an investor-friendly environment by addressing macroeconomic challenges and enhancing productivity.
Both sides expressed optimism that the Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa would not only strengthen trade between Pakistan and Ethiopia but also serve as a platform for Pakistani traders to engage with the broader African market. APP
