Africa-Press – Ethiopia. The 5th Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and “Made in Pakistan” Single Country Exhibition took place in Addis Ababa, bringing together more than 120 Pakistani companies and hundreds of business representatives from across Africa.
Federal Minister for Commerce of Pakistan, Jam Kamal Khan, said the event marked “a significant milestone in Pakistan’s Look Africa policy,” adding that the government has been “extensively working to expand and deepen its relationship with African nations.”
“Africa is a huge and growing market,” the minister said.
Ethiopia is a growing economy, offering great potential as a gateway for Pakistani investors and exporters to the rest of the continent, he said.
More than 100 Pakistani companies from various sectors — including pharmaceuticals, textiles, surgical equipment, IT services, home appliances, and light manufacturing — showcased their products at the Ethiopian Skylight Trade Center.
Khan emphasized that the exhibition was intentionally hosted in Ethiopia due to its “strategic location and central position in Africa,” noting that such platforms are key to “enhancing business-to-business and people-to-people linkages.”
“For the people of Pakistan, I would only say please explore Africa, and start from Ethiopia,” he urged.
“It (Ethiopia) will be a very good venue and a gateway for reaching out to many other African markets,”he added.
The minister also commended Ethiopia’s infrastructure and hospitality extended by the Ethiopian government.
“I am really surprised by the level of development and progress in Addis Ababa,” he remarked, expressing optimism that “Pakistan and Africa can do a lot together — in agriculture, renewable energy, manufacturing, and human development.”
Director General for Asia Oceania at Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hamid Ashgar, underscored the growing importance of Africa in global trade, highlighting its vast resources and youthful population.
He commended Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce for leading the Look Africa Policy launched in 2017, stressing that such initiatives ensure “the global South wakes up to engage amongst itself through South-South cooperation.”
“We must capitalize on this momentum,” Ambassador Ashgar added.
He pointed out that the entrepreneurs are ready, creating conducive environment to enable them and ensure this breakthrough event translates into lasting investment and trade partnerships.
Ambassador Dawano Kedir, Director General for Middle Eastern, Asian and Pacific Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on his part said the growing partnership between Ethiopia and Pakistan demonstrated “a new level of economic cooperation”.
“I can say the relationship between Pakistan and Ethiopia is now cemented in a very strong bondage,” he said.
“When we have a very strong economic connection, that guides politics. We will continue to support businesspersons from both countries and help them establish long-term partnerships.”, he said.
He added that Ethiopia plans to expand exports to Pakistan — especially coffee, leather, and agricultural products — while encouraging Pakistani investors to explore opportunities in Ethiopia’s rapidly transforming economy.
Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan, Jemal Beker, described the moment as “special and historic,” recalling Ethiopia’s decision to open its embassy in Islamabad in 2022.
“We opened our embassy in 2022 under Ethiopia’s reformist government to connect two ancient civilizations,” he said.
“Our partnership has grown stronger, not only politically but also economically, as we align on key global issues including security, counter-terrorism, and climate change.”, he said.
Ambassador Jemal further emphasized Ethiopia’s potential as a source of clean, affordable energy following the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
“Ethiopia now produces one of the cheapest clean energy in the world. This gives us a major comparative advantage and an opportunity for cooperation with Pakistan in industrial and manufacturing sectors,” he noted.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to expanding investment, trade, and cultural exchanges.
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