Ethiopian Ambassador Encourages Pakistani Investors to Explore Opportunities in Ethiopia
ISLAMABAD – The Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan has extended an invitation to the Pakistani business community, urging them to capitalize on the investment opportunities available in Ethiopia. During a press briefing, the embassy in Islamabad announced that Ambassador Jemal Beker provided insights into Ethiopia’s unexploited potential, highlighting the country’s strategic geographical location, affordable and clean energy, and skilled workforce.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ambassador Jemal addressed a Business Forum on Ethiopia-Pakistan Bilateral Trade at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in Lahore. He emphasized the upcoming Invest Ethiopia Conference scheduled from April 28-30 in Addis Ababa, designed to showcase the exceptional investment prospects within the country.
Ambassador Jemal pointed out that it was an opportune moment for Pakistan’s business sector to explore Ethiopia’s market, presenting a gateway to the African continent’s burgeoning population of over 1.4 billion people. As a participant in the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA), Ethiopia offers a significant advantage, allowing for products made within its borders to be readily traded across Africa.
The ambassador underscored the economic reforms initiated by Ethiopia’s government to cultivate a domestically-driven economy aimed at achieving sustained and robust economic growth. These reforms have particularly focused on enhancing five key sectors: agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and tourism. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia aspires to transform into Africa’s manufacturing powerhouse.
Additionally, Ambassador Jemal noted Ethiopia’s commitment to producing sustainable, clean energy, predominantly sourced from hydro and geothermal facilities, which is already being exported to neighboring countries. This endeavor is part of Ethiopia’s broader strategy to promote regional integration through resource sharing.
To foster trade between Ethiopia and Pakistan, the embassy facilitated a trade delegation of 75 members to Ethiopia in March of the previous year, which served as a bridge between the business communities of both nations. Plans are underway for “Hijra Trip II” to Ethiopia in May this year, for which the ambassador encouraged early registration.
During the forum, Ambassador Jemal also highlighted the potential for trade in various products between Ethiopia and Pakistan, including agricultural exports from Ethiopia and imports of rice, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and construction materials from Pakistan.
Vice President of FPCCI and Regional Chairman Zaki Aijaz echoed the ambassador’s sentiments, reflecting on the potential for business, trade, and investment in Ethiopia, based on his experience with the business delegation visit to Addis Ababa. He commended Ambassador Jemal Beker for his efforts in strengthening the bilateral relations and trade ties between Ethiopia and Pakistan.