Ethiopia, Pakistan to collaborate on Single Country Exhibition

Ethiopia and Pakistan have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation to ensure the successful organisation of a Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, next year, with participation from a significant number of traders from both sides.

The decision was made 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.

The meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, including efforts to enhance bilateral trade between the two nations, which share longstanding brotherly relations.

The Ethiopian ambassador noted the growing cooperation in various sectors, such as finance, trade, culture, aviation, and science and technology, especially since the establishment of the Ethiopian Mission in Islamabad.

He pointed to recent milestones in bilateral relations, including the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding in business, trade, investment, aviation, and science and technology, as well as the commencement of Ethiopian Airlines operations in Karachi and the exchange of delegations across various sectors, including education, health, and culture.

The ambassador also briefed the minister on Ethiopia's Home Grown Economic Reforms, which have addressed macroeconomic imbalances, boosted productivity, eased business regulations, and created a conducive environment for attracting foreign direct investment.

"Ethiopia is a gateway to Africa, a market of more than 1.4 billion people," he said, underscoring the significance of the upcoming Single Country Exhibition. He noted that the event would not only strengthen connections between Pakistani and Ethiopian traders but also provide access to the broader African market.

Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan affirmed Pakistan's commitment to the Look Africa and Engage Africa Policy and assured that the Ministry of Commerce and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan are making all necessary preparations for the exhibition in Addis Ababa.

He highlighted the importance of enhancing ties with African nations, particularly Ethiopia, which he referred to as the "growth star of the African continent" due to its consistent economic growth under the leadership of Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed.