ISLAMABAD, October 26, 2026: Pakistan and Ethiopia have discussed expanding bilateral trade and investment by strengthening banking and financial connectivity, as Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met Ethiopian Ambassador Dr. Oumer Hussein Oba in Islamabad on Monday.
According to a statement issued by the Finance Division, the meeting focused on economic cooperation, investment opportunities, financial linkages and improved connectivity between the two countries.
The Ethiopian ambassador was accompanied by Minister Counsellor Melaw Getachew and Political Diplomacy In-charge Kalkidan Tadesse.
During the meeting, both sides explored opportunities to facilitate greater trade and investment flows, with particular emphasis on strengthening cooperation between their banking sectors.
Ambassador Oba highlighted the importance of closer financial and banking links to support commercial transactions and encourage businesses in both countries to explore new investment opportunities.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb reaffirmed Pakistan’s interest in expanding economic relations with Ethiopia and developing cooperation in areas of mutual benefit.
The two officials also exchanged views on the economic development experiences of Pakistan and Ethiopia, noting similarities in their economic structures and the importance of adopting development strategies suited to domestic conditions.
Aurangzeb briefed the Ethiopian delegation on Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms, which he said were aimed at achieving lasting macroeconomic stability and creating conditions for sustainable, investment-led growth.
The discussion also covered regional and global economic developments, particularly the impact of ongoing conflicts on energy supplies, fertiliser availability and food security.
Both sides examined how disruptions to energy and fertiliser supply chains could affect agricultural production and broader economic activity.
They emphasised the importance of preparedness and international cooperation in managing external economic shocks and protecting economic stability.
Air connectivity between Pakistan and Ethiopia was another area of discussion, with both sides recognising its potential to strengthen commercial exchanges and people-to-people contacts.
The Finance Minister and the Ethiopian ambassador agreed on the importance of continued engagement to promote bilateral trade, investment, financial cooperation and stronger economic connectivity.
The meeting reflected the two countries’ interest in exploring practical avenues for economic cooperation, particularly through improved banking links and greater opportunities for businesses to engage across their respective markets.