Ethiopia seeks close ties in green initiatives, tourism

Envoy says Ethiopia too has been hit by climate change, but has brought green revolution

ISLAMABAD:

Ethiopia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Pakistan Jemal Beker Abdula has emphasised that his country wants to have bilateral cooperation with Islamabad in diverse areas such as security, climate change, tourism, business, trade and investment.

“Pakistan has many products which are in huge demand in Ethiopia and likewise, Ethiopia can send different food products which are consumed in Pakistan in huge quantity,” the ambassador said during an interview with the Addis Media Network-English.

He pointed out that Pakistan’s business community could contribute to its economic development by exporting rice, chemicals, textile, pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, sports goods and construction material to Ethiopia. Simultaneously, “Pakistan can import coffee, tea, pulses and oilseeds from Ethiopia”.

The envoy said that he had identified areas of mutual interest while keeping in view the foreign policies of both countries and then moved on to forge linkages with key stakeholders in the business community and the government of Pakistan.

“Trade between the two countries is minimal at $78 million, however, my target is to take it to $200 million by the end of 2023,” he said, reiterating that an all-inclusive Pakistani business delegation with representation from all economic sectors would soon be visiting Ethiopia to help them connect with their counterparts.

Another area where both countries could enhance collaboration, according to the ambassador, was climate change, which recently brought flash floods to the shores of Pakistan and inflicted colossal damages.

“Our country too has been affected by climate change but it is our Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who has brought green revolution.”

Efforts are also underway to increase collaboration between Ethiopia and Pakistan on technology transfer and knowledge sharing. In this regard, agreements will be signed soon.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 14^th, 2023.

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