State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, launched Ethio-Pakistan Business Forum, held under the motto “connecting historic countries through trade and investment” in Addis Ababa today.
Mr. Gebremeskel Chala , the Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Mrs. Hanna Arayaselassie, Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Mr. Aklilu Tadese, CEO of the Industrial Parks Development Corporation, H.E. Jamal Beker, Ethiopia’s Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Pakistan, and other stakeholders participated in the business forum.
Mohammad Zubair Motiwala, the Chief executive of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, officials of various cities’ Chambers of Commerce and Industry and 80 investors were in attendance from the Pakistani side.
Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, in her opening remarks, stated that Ethiopia and Pakistan have long-standing relations and the business forum will play significant role in enhancing the ever growing diplomatic and economic relations.
The State Minister further expressed that Ethiopia’s sustained economic development, favourable investment climate, Homegrown Economic Reform Program, wide market and strategic position are among the factors that make Ethiopia an ideal destination for investment and called upon Pakistani investors to utilize these lucrative investment opportunities.
Mr. Gebremeskel Chala , the Minister of Trade and Regional Integration of Ethiopia on his part said that Ethiopia is a country of vast trade and investment opportunities. He added that the conducive investment climate and reforms made based on Home Grown Economic Reform Program, will create favourable business opportunities for Pakistani investors.
Mohammad Zubair Motiwala, Chief executive of Pakistani Trade Development on his part stated that the members of the business delegation are engaged in ICT, mining, leather and leather products, agriculture, industry, textile, pharmaceutical, aviation and other sectors in Pakistan and remarked that the investors should take advantage of the vast and diverse investment opportunities in Ethiopia.
In addition, a presentation was made on the investment and business opportunities in Ethiopia.
The delegation will visit selected industrial parks and conduct business to business consultations with its Ethiopian counterparts during its six days of stay in Ethiopia.