The Pakistan-Ethiopia Business Council of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has held its first meeting to engage the business community of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the 2nd Business and Trade Delegation to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) from 26 to 31 May 2024. scheduled for May.
The first meeting of the Council was chaired by FPCCI Senior Vice President Mr. Saqib Faiyaz, Special and Extraordinary Representative and Plenipotentiary Representative of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, H. E. Jamal Beker Abdula.
This meeting was called at the request of H.E. Ibrahim Tawab, Honorary Consul of Ethiopia in Karachi, Chairman of FPCCI Council. The meeting was attended by senior entrepreneurs from various sectors including agriculture and agro-industry, manufacturing, tourism and ICT.
Speaking at the first meeting, H.E. Ambassador Jamal Baker Abdullah urged the business community of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to connect and build networks in Africa through Ethiopia, the gateway to the African climate, the hub of the future and trade, commerce and investment opportunities.
“For this purpose, we have prepared our 2nd Business and Trade Representative Office in Ethiopia to coincide with the International Manufacturing Trade Fair in Addis Ababa, where manufacturers from all over Africa will participate, set up shop and sell products,” he said.
According to the ambassador, the 2nd business and trade delegation to Ethiopia will include a business forum, meetings with relevant ministers and senior officials, visits to industrial parks and well-known tourist destinations, and a cultural night in Addis Ababa.
He thanked the business community of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for participating in the first business and trade delegation in March last year. “If you did not attend the 1st delegation, do not miss the 2nd trade and commerce delegation to Ethiopia,” he said, inviting businessmen interested in the initiative of the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad.
On the other hand, Saqib Fayaz, Senior Vice President, FPCCI, said that now is the time for Pakistan’s business community to enter and operate in Africa, which offers huge business and trade opportunities.
FPCCI invites its members to participate in the 2nd Trade and Trade Delegation to Ethiopia, which will play an important role in promoting bilateral trade between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
Pakistan Trade Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer H.E. Zubair Motiwala emphasized the need to diversify the cooperation by exploring the merchandise and potential markets of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia proposed that the first two days of the 2nd business and trade delegation visit the industrial park and devote to the practical activities of the business community.
H.E. The Honorary Consul of Ethiopia in Karachi, Ibrahim Tawab, praised the socio-economic development and progress he saw during his first visit to Ethiopia in March last year and invited businessmen to visit Ethiopia to explore trade opportunities.
