Ethiopia Offers Gateway to African Markets for Pakistani Businesses: Ambassador

Ethiopia has invited Pakistani businesses to explore trade and investment opportunities in its growing economy. Ethiopian Ambassador Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba described the country as a strategic gateway to African markets.

He highlighted Ethiopia’s competitive energy costs, industrial infrastructure, investment incentives and expanding economy. The ambassador was speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on November 4.

LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar, Vice President Chaudhry Khadim Hussain and several former office-bearers and executive committee members attended the meeting.

Ethiopia Highlights Investment Opportunities for Pakistan

The ambassador said Ethiopia’s population of more than 130 million offered considerable opportunities for Pakistani investors. He identified manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, textiles and other industrial sectors as areas with potential.

Ethiopia is also opening more sectors to international investment, he added. Oba assured Pakistani businesses that efforts were underway to address regulatory challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies operating in the country.

He encouraged the Pakistani business community to consider Ethiopia as a destination for investment and a route to wider African markets.

Pakistani Business Delegation to Visit Ethiopia

The Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad will lead a Pakistani business delegation to Ethiopia from January 24 to 29, 2027, according to the announcement.

The visit aims to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries. It is expected to provide businesses with opportunities to explore partnerships and assess potential areas of cooperation.

LCCI Seeks Stronger Pakistan-Ethiopia Trade Relations

LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar said existing trade figures did not reflect the full potential of economic relations between Pakistan and Ethiopia.

He stated that Pakistan’s exports to Ethiopia stood at approximately $5.1 million. Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s exports to Pakistan were around $14.5 million.

Asghar called for practical steps to expand bilateral trade. He identified rice, textiles, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, food products, steel, marble and agricultural machinery as promising areas.

LCCI Proposes Direct Business Links

The LCCI president proposed establishing direct institutional links with the relevant Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce within a week. The proposed arrangement would help initiate virtual business meetings, identify promising sectors and develop concrete commercial opportunities.

He also offered to host Ethiopian business delegations at LCCI for structured business-to-business meetings. The chamber expressed readiness to facilitate joint ventures and reciprocal business visits.

Asghar highlighted Lahore’s strong industrial base and expertise across several sectors. He said regular engagement between the two business communities could turn existing potential into meaningful trade and investment partnerships.

He also expressed confidence that coordinated efforts during the respective tenures of the ambassador and LCCI leadership would help increase bilateral trade.

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Lahore and Ethiopia Explore Business Cooperation

LCCI Vice President Chaudhry Khadim Hussain said the Lahore Chamber represents more than 50,000 businesses and companies. He described Lahore as a city with considerable industrial and commercial potential.

Hussain expressed confidence that closer cooperation with Ethiopia would create new opportunities for businesses on both sides.

The proposed delegation visit and institutional engagement could provide a platform for stronger commercial ties. Both sides have highlighted the need to move beyond existing trade levels and develop practical business partnerships.