Jam Kamal Khan Leads Pakistan’s Push to Boost Trade Ties with Ethiopia Through Single Country Exhibition
Islamabad : Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to expanding trade relations with Ethiopia and the broader African market during a meeting with Ethiopia’s Special Envoy and Ambassador Extraordinary, Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, under the “Look Africa Policy.”
The discussions focused on bilateral cooperation to ensure the success of the upcoming Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa, scheduled for May 2025.
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.
Minister 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 Khan 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% and the strength of its aviation industry, with 140 fleets under Ethiopian Airlines.
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the Islamic Republic of 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 H.E. Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, Special Envoy and Ambassador Extraordinary of the FDR Ethiopia to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and H.E. Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister of Pakistan for Commerce.
H.E. 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.
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.
