Pakistan, Ethiopia discuss wider trade and industrial cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Ethiopian Ambassador Dr Oumer Hussein Oba held a detailed meeting to explore new opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and industrial cooperation, with particular attention to broader engagement in African markets, according to a statement issued on Monday.

During the meeting, the commerce minister said recent interactions between the two countries had created a fresh basis for jointly pursuing wider opportunities across Africa. He proposed holding a multi-country business forum in Islamabad and inviting East African countries to observe Pakistan’s industrial capacity directly, saying such exposure could help open up new trade and investment avenues.

The minister identified agriculture, engineering industries and tractors as sectors with strong potential for cooperation between Pakistan and Ethiopia. The two sides also discussed the cosmetics and personal care sector, where Jam Kamal Khan said Pakistan had seen notable growth over the last four to five years.

He suggested joint ventures between Pakistani and Ethiopian companies in cosmetics and perfumes to benefit from growing consumer demand.

Focus on logistics and connectivity

Trade logistics also featured prominently in the discussions. The minister underscored the need to improve connectivity and reduce dependence on third-country transshipment hubs, including Jebel Ali Port.

He proposed strengthening direct maritime connections through feeder vessels to African ports, saying this could cut transit time from more than 10-12 days to 2-3 days. He also described Karachi as a gateway for African exports to Central Asia through regional maritime corridors, including Djibouti Port.

Upcoming exhibition and flight plans

During the meeting, Ambassador Dr Oba informed the minister that Ethiopia plans to hold a single-country exhibition in Islamabad by the end of this year. He also shared that Ethiopian Airlines is planning to launch direct flights to Lahore.

The ambassador further called for stronger cooperation in education, skills and institutional development, according to the statement.

The meeting reflected efforts by both sides to broaden economic engagement beyond existing channels and identify practical areas for collaboration in trade, industry, logistics and people-to-people links.

The statement said the discussions focused on avenues that could support stronger bilateral ties while also connecting Pakistan more effectively with East African markets through trade and transport initiatives.