Ethiopian Ambassador Urges RCCI to Join Single-Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa
Rawalpindi, The Gulf Observer: H.E. Dr. Jemal Beker Abdula, Special Envoy and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) to Pakistan, called on the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Thursday to participate in a Single-Country Exhibition scheduled for May next year in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Dr. Jemal, while presiding over the Pakistan-Ethiopia Business Forum alongside RCCI President Usman Shaukat, emphasized the strategic importance of the Pakistani business community entering African markets through Ethiopia. The Ambassador highlighted Ethiopia’s position as a gateway to a continent of over 1.4 billion people, offering vast business, trade, and investment potential.
“Ethiopian Airlines’ operational launch in Pakistan has further bolstered connectivity between Pakistan and Africa, unlocking lucrative opportunities in trade and business,” stated Dr. Jemal. He noted that Ethiopia, as Africa’s fastest-growing economy, recorded a growth rate of 8.1% last year and is targeting 8.4% this year. With a competitive edge in clean energy, affordable resources, and skilled labor, Ethiopia stands ready to welcome and collaborate with Pakistani enterprises.
Dr. Jemal outlined key sectors for potential collaboration, including agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and ICT. He also underscored the Ethiopian government’s transformative foreign policy, economic, and legal reforms under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, which have positioned Ethiopia as an investment hub with a robust global presence.
RCCI President Usman Shaukat responded positively, providing an overview of the Chamber’s initiatives and noting Ethiopia’s potential as a key market for Pakistan’s non-traditional exports, such as pharmaceuticals, agri-food, and IT services. He assured the Ambassador that RCCI would participate in the Single-Country Exhibition, fostering stronger trade ties between the two nations.
“The RCCI is committed to promoting Pakistan’s ‘Look Africa’ policy, and we see Ethiopia as a vital partner in this endeavor,” said President Shaukat, emphasizing the importance of mutual trade delegations in enhancing business collaboration and network-building.
The meeting was attended by RCCI Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, and other executive members, all expressing their dedication to strengthening economic relations between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
The event concluded with mutual pledges of cooperation and a shared commitment to explore and deepen bilateral economic and trade ties through collaborative efforts.
