ISLAMABAD: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Jemal Beker Abdula on Friday said that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Ethiopia amounted to a minimal $78 million and the target was to take it to $300 million by the end of 2023.

“Concerted efforts are underway to establish institutional linkages between Ethiopia and Pakistan which were crucial to boost flourishing ties and bilateral trade between the two countries,” the envoy said while speaking with the business community from across the country here at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry office.

Accords between the trading organisations of both countries to ensure bilateral trade under a legal system are underway, he said, adding: “Our government is looking forward towards building a strong relationship with Pakistan, which is located in an important region and has major economies in its neighborhood.”

“We have identified the products which will be exported to my country from Pakistan. The Pakistani business community can contribute towards Pakistan’s economic development by exporting rice, pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, sports items and construction material to my country,” he added.

Moreover, Pakistan, he said, could import agricultural products such as coffee, tea, pulses, oilseeds and vegetables from Ethiopia, which would eventually help it meet the growing demand for edible items.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2022