Lahore: Speaking at a business forum on bilateral trade between Ethiopia and Pakistan at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Lahore.
According to H.E. Mr. Ambassador Jemal Beker, it was high time for the business community of Pakistan to explore the lucrative market of Ethiopia, which was the gateway to the African continent of over 1.4 billion people.
He said Ethiopia is a signatory to the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, which means anything produced in Ethiopia can be easily traded with the whole of Africa.
The ambassador highlighted the economic reforms implemented by the reformist government of Ethiopia to build the domestic economy to achieve robust and sustainable economic growth by creating an enabling environment for the business community and foreign investors.
He said that as part of its economic reforms, Ethiopia has focused primarily on its five economic sectors, including agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, information and communication technology (ICT) and tourism.
The government has set up a one-stop shop and introduced several incentives to attract foreign direct investment, he said, adding: “Don’t confuse your place, Africa is a business, trade and investment destination in the 21st century.
Said H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, has charted the country on the path of progress and prosperity with his visionary reforms that have paved the way for Ethiopia to become the manufacturing hub of Africa.
The ambassador said that Ethiopia produces cheap, clean and green energy with almost 98 percent from hydro and geothermal sources.
Likewise, Pakistan could import agricultural products like coffee, tea, pulses, oilseeds and vegetables from Ethiopia.
FPCCI Vice President and Regional Chairman Zaki Aijaz also briefed the business community on Ethiopia’s business, trade and investment potential and recalled his visit to Ethiopia.
He also appreciated the role played by HE Ambassador Jemal Beker Abdula for promoting bilateral relations, including trade ties between the two countries.
