ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan and Ethiopia addressed growing bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan urged accelerating regulatory permits for Pakistani pharmaceutical companies seeking access to the Ethiopian market.
The talks happened when Dr. Oumer Hussein Oba, the Ethiopian ambassador to Pakistan, visited the minister at his Islamabad office. The meeting was attended by senior Ministry officials, Federal Secretary for Commerce Jawad Paul, and Rana Ihsaan Afzal, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Commerce and Industries.
Jam Kamal Khan emphasized Pakistan’s developing pharmaceutical sector and its desire to increase exports to markets in Africa. He emphasized that fostering trust among Pakistani exporters and building business relations with Ethiopia required prompt regulatory approvals and open processes.
In order to resolve outstanding difficulties and promote market access, the Minister emphasized the significance of tight collaboration between regulatory bodies, diplomatic missions, and trade officials. Additionally, he urged the necessity of removing trade obstacles, enhancing business-to-business contact, and finding workable ways to boost bilateral commerce.
The Minister was informed by the Ethiopian Ambassador that he had brought up the unresolved pharmaceutical registration issues with the appropriate Ethiopian health authorities and had got positive assurances regarding their prompt settlement.
Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul stressed the importance of expediting the proposed visit of the Ethiopian technical team to Pakistan for the necessary inspection and evaluation of pharmaceutical companies, stressing that timely completion of technical assessments and regulatory formalities would help accelerate pending approvals and facilitate Pakistani pharmaceutical exports to Ethiopia.
The meeting also reviewed Ethiopia’s ongoing World Trade Organization (WTO) accession process. Jam Kamal Khan underscored the importance of reciprocal market access, mutual economic benefits and practical confidence-building measures in advancing trade cooperation. The Ambassador expressed Ethiopia’s willingness to address Pakistan’s concerns through constructive consultations.
The Minister appreciated Ethiopia’s rapid infrastructure development and described the country as a potential gateway for Pakistani businesses seeking access to East African markets. He highlighted opportunities in pharmaceuticals, food products, banking and other sectors, while stressing the importance of improved connectivity and greater business exchanges.
Dr. Oumer Hussein Oba, Ethiopia’s ambassador, reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to deepening economic ties with Pakistan while acknowledging the unrealized potential of bilateral trade.
A planned visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports was also reviewed by both parties, and the ambassador expressed optimism that it will be finalized soon.
A joint commitment to accelerate outstanding issues, improve institutional coordination, and convert bilateral engagement into real trade and investment prospects was made at the meeting’s conclusion.