Islamabad (TDI): Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, Special Envoy and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to Pakistan, has called on the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) to participate in the upcoming Single-Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa, scheduled for May next year.
Speaking at the Pakistan-Ethiopia Business Forum, which he co-chaired with RCCI President Usman Shaukat, the ambassador emphasized that it was an opportune time for Pakistan’s business community to tap into Africa’s vast market through Ethiopia, a gateway to over 1.4 billion people.
He highlighted Ethiopia’s economic growth, which stood at 8.1% last year, with a target of 8.4% for the current year, and its strategic advantages, including affordable clean energy and a skilled workforce.
Ambassador Jemal noted that Ethiopian Airlines had commenced operations in Pakistan, strengthening air connectivity between the two countries and enhancing access to the African continent.
He encouraged Pakistani businesses to explore sectors such as agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and ICT, which offer significant opportunities in Ethiopia.
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“The Ethiopian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, has introduced reforms that have transformed the country into a regional investment hub, enhancing its global outreach,” he said, urging Pakistan’s business community to seize these opportunities.
RCCI President Usman Shaukat assured the ambassador that a delegation from the chamber would participate in the exhibition, furthering bilateral trade and cooperation.
He stressed the importance of mutual trade delegations in expanding commercial ties between Ethiopia and Pakistan, particularly in non-traditional sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agri-food, and IT services.
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The meeting, which also included RCCI Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi and Vice President Fahad Barlas, underscored a shared commitment to strengthening economic relations between the two countries and advancing Pakistan’s “Look Africa” policy.
