Ethiopian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Dr. Oumer H. Oba visited Sundar Industrial Estate on Monday to explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation with traders, entrepreneurs and industrialists from Punjab.
The visit featured a business forum with members of the Sundar Trade and Industry Association (STIA), along with an interactive session with executives from the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors led by Ghulam Bassi, CEO of G.T. Pharma.
Ethiopia Highlights Investment Opportunities
During the business forum, Ambassador Dr. Oumer held discussions with STIA representatives from agriculture, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, surgical goods, nutraceuticals and fertilizers.
He briefed participants on Ethiopia’s economic transformation and highlighted its potential as an investment destination, citing affordable and reliable energy, a skilled workforce and access to wider African markets.
The ambassador also outlined incentives available to foreign investors, including one-window operations, investment guarantees, profit repatriation facilities and zero-rated taxes for specific sectors.
He invited STIA members to undertake an exploratory visit to Ethiopia to assess its investment facilities, economic development and business opportunities firsthand.
STIA Pledges Support for Business Delegation
STIA President Muhammad Irfan Qadri emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties between Pakistan and Ethiopia. He assured the ambassador of his support in mobilizing a delegation of association members for a visit to Ethiopia.
Qadri also appreciated Ethiopia’s economic development and highlighted the potential for STIA members to pursue business and investment opportunities there.
Chairman of the Punjab Industrial Estates Development and Management Company (PIEDMC), Shahzad Ahmed Khan, and the STIA senior vice president also addressed the gathering.
Pharmaceutical and Industrial Collaboration
During a separate interactive session with pharmaceutical and nutraceutical executives, the ambassador responded to participants’ queries and outlined initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations.
The delegation also toured industrial facilities specializing in agricultural mechanization and textile spinning. It visited Ferozsons and BF Bio Sciences, where discussions with senior management explored potential areas of cooperation.
As part of the visit, the ambassador planted saplings at industrial facilities, highlighting the shared commitment of Ethiopia and Pakistan to climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
The engagement aimed to encourage stronger business connections and identify practical opportunities for trade, investment and industrial collaboration between the two countries.