Pakistan values Ethiopia as a great trading partner and political fiend in Africa, according to Basit Saleem Shah, Minister of Trade and Investment – Commercial Wing of the Embassy of Pakistan to Ethiopia.
The Commercial Wing of the Embassy hosted a pre-event promotion program on the upcoming Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition (PATDC & SCE) at the Sheraton Addis Hotel in Addis Ababa on Thursday. Officiated by Mr. Basit, the event was attended by high-level officials, the business community from both countries, and other dignitaries.
In his remarks at the event, Mr. Basit said trade throughout the world promotes peace, love, and harmony amongst the trading partners. It not only brings financial strength to the trading partners but also helps in strengthening ties between the two nations.
The Minister revealed that trade volume between Ethiopia and Pakistan has surpassed the figures of 100 million USD. Not only the trade figures have enhanced, but there has been more frequent interaction between the business communities of the two countries.
Looking ahead, Mr. Basit said his country is planning a series of activities for more engagement for the mutual benefit of the two communities. “We will be holding the 5th Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition in May 2025, displaying varieties of products for the interests of the business community of Ethiopia.”
According to him, more than 100 exhibitors will be coming from Pakistan and it would be a splendid event where both Ethiopian businessmen and Pakistani businessmen would interact for a mutually beneficial relationship
The event would create strong bonds of love, harmony, and commercial relationship between the business community of Ethiopia and Pakistan, the Minister noted, indicating that the conference will be vital to unlock access to new markets and enhance economic ties between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
Furthermore, the Minister indicated that Pakistan is gearing up to organize one event “East Africa Summit and Business Exhibition” in Islamabad, where state officials and businessmen from Ethiopia will be invited to participate.
He said his country, Pakistan, is home to more than 240 people which gives a tremendous opportunity for Ethiopian coffee.
Mr. Basit anticipates enhanced economic and political relations between Ethiopia and Pakistan in 2025. However, he acknowledged that the potential of the two countries’ economic ties is not yet fully exploited.
For her part, Yasmin Wohabrebi, State Minister of Trade Integration and Export Promotion Sector at the Ministry of Trade & Regional Integration of Ethiopia, mentioned that the upcoming continental conference will bring a significant opportunity to strengthen trade relations and explore new avenues for collaboration between Ethiopia and Pakistan as well as the African continent in general.
In his remarks, the Ambassador of Pakistan to Ethiopia, Atif Sharif Mian, stated that his country is keen to expand its areas of cooperation and trade. “We are looking to diversify our exports to Ethiopia.”
Ambassador Mian also highlighted more domains to diversify and foster economic cooperation between the two nations, adding that Pakistan sees Ethiopia strategic partner in Africa.
Indicating that Pakistan is keen to emphasize South-South cooperation, the envoy disclosed that his embassy is encouraging the Pakistani business community to find some practical projects in Ethiopia where they can have partnerships with local investors or they can invest in different sectors.
In Ethiopia, Pakistan sees a steadfast economic trade and strategic partner in the Horn of Africa, which is a nation with tremendous potential and resilience, Ambassador Mian said. “By holding the Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa, we will be beginning a new chapter in our partnership. The enhancement of our trade and economic relations would be the foundation of a lasting friendship between our two nations.”
Source: FMC
