Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) have decided to expand the bilateral cooperation to hold the first-ever Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia next year.
The decision was made during a meeting between Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Special Envoy and Ambassador Extraordinary of the FDR Ethiopia Dr Jemal Beker Abdula in Islamabad on Friday.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to enhance bilateral trade between the two brotherly countries.
Read More: Pakistan, Ethiopia Collaborate on Exhibition, To Back Pakistani Investors
Ambassador Dr Jemal Beker viewed that the mutual cooperation in various areas such as finance, trade, culture, aviation, science and technology had grown significantly, especially after the opening of the Ethiopian Mission in Islamabad.
“Bilateral relations are on an upward trajectory,” Ambassador Dr Jemal said, citing recently signed Memoranda of Understanding between the two nations in the areas of business, trade, investment, aviation, science and technology, the start of the Ethiopian Airlines operations in Karachi, and exchange of delegations from business, trade, aviation, education, health and cultural sectors.
Dr Jemal also apprised Minister Jam Kamal on Ethiopia’s homegrown economic reforms, which he said had revamped the country’s economy by “addressing macro-economic imbalances, increasing productivity, creating ease of doing business and providing conducive environment for attracting the foreign direct investment.”
Read More: Pakistan, Ethiopia Strengthens Ties in Science, Education
The Ambassador said that Ethiopia was a gateway to Africa with a huge market of more than 1.4 billion population. He reiterated that the Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa would not only connect Pakistani traders with their Ethiopian counterparts but also with the African market.
Preparations Underway for Single Country Exhibition: Jam Kamal
For his part, Minister Jam Kamal said the Ministry of Commerce, and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan are making all the necessary preparations regarding the Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa.
“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 the growth star of the African Continent, registering consistent economic growth under the leadership of Prime Minister of Ethiopia Dr. Abiy Ahmed,” the minister added.
The two sides agreed on engaging the business communities of both countries to ensure the participation of a large number of traders from both sides.
