Pakistan Sees Ethiopia as Gateway to African Markets under Look Africa Policy: Minister

Addis Ababa, October 16, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia is being promoted as a prime destination for investment and a gateway to Africa as officials from Pakistan and Ethiopia highlighted opportunities for enhanced trade and economic cooperation at the 5th Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition held at Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Pakistan’s Federal Minister of Commerce, Jan Kamal Khan, emphasized Africa’s potential as a partner in development. “Africa today is one of the most promising economic regions in the world, rich in natural resources and driven by a young and energetic population,” he said.

He underscored Pakistan’s Look Africa policy, launched in 2017, which seeks to deepen engagement with the continent through trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.

Minister Khan highlighted the growing bilateral trade between Pakistan and African countries, noting that during 2024-25, trade reached USD 4.8 billion, with exports mainly including rice, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and machinery. “These figures show ongoing engagement, but the potential for expansion is far greater,” he said, urging business delegates to pursue joint ventures, digital trade, agro-processing, infrastructure, renewable energy, and pharmaceutical partnerships.

Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Alemu Sime, described Ethiopia as a strategic gateway to East Africa with a favorable investment climate driven by ongoing macroeconomic reforms. “We are narrowing the gap between parallel and official foreign exchange markets and improving ease of doing business, which is increasing interest from Pakistani investors,” Minister Alemu said.

He further highlighted Ethiopia’s mega-projects, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Ogaden natural gas project, urea fertilizer factory, fuel refinery, and eco-friendly industrial parks, along with Ethiopian Airlines’ network serving 131 international destinations as a key enabler for regional connectivity.

Ambassador Dewano Kedir, Director General for Middle Eastern, Asian and Pacific Countries’ Affairs at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the conference serves as a strategic platform to connect African and Pakistani businesses.

“This event will widen our strong political ties into economic collaboration, enabling people-to-people connections and fostering bilateral trade,” he said, noting Ethiopia’s commitment to maximize its long-standing relationship with Pakistan.

Reflecting on his tenure in Pakistan, outgoing Ethiopian Ambassador Jemal Beker emphasized efforts to strengthen institutional linkages and economic diplomacy.

He highlighted the signing of bilateral trade agreements, science and technology MoUs, political consultations, and coordinated business delegations in 2023 and 2024. He also pointed to Ethiopia’s competitive advantages, including cheap renewable energy, skilled labor, and growing regional market access, urging delegates to explore sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Atif Sharif Mian, noted Ethiopia’s recent economic achievements, including over 8% GDP growth, participation in G20 debt restructuring, free-floating currency, and sector liberalization in banking, retail, and trade.

“Ethiopia’s conducive investment climate and status as the headquarters of the African Union further strengthen Pakistan’s trade and investment engagement in Africa,” he said, highlighting opportunities in high-tech industries, logistics via ports, and joint ventures.

The event brought together more than 110 business delegates from Pakistan and companies from across Africa, with ministers, state ministers, and diplomats also in attendance. Participants hailed from countries including Burundi, South Sudan, Djibouti, Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, and Tanzania.

The three-day conference and exhibition aims to expand trade, forge business partnerships, and showcase investment opportunities in Ethiopia and the wider African market, providing a platform for immediate engagement through government-to-government and business-to-business interactions.