International Markets Development Division (Africa Desk) of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in collaboration with the Honorary Consul General of Ethiopia in Pakistan and the Embassy of Pakistan in Ethiopia, successfully organized a seminar cum awareness session at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Head Office, Karachi today on 28th January, 2025.
The session was aimed at promoting the upcoming 5th Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition (PATDC & SCE), scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 14th to 16th May 2025.
The event was attended by senior-level officials from FPCCI, members of the Pakistan-Ethiopia Business Council, members from Pakistan-Kenya Business Council, renowned exporters, and representatives from the business community. The President of FPCCI Mr. Atif Ikram Shaikh graced the occasion with his presence, while H.E. Mr. Atif Mian, Ambassador of Pakistan in Ethiopia, participated virtually. Moreover, Ms. Kalkidan Tadasse, the Economic Counsellor from the Ethiopian Embassy in Pakistan, and Mr. Basit Saleem Shah, Minister (Trade & Investment) in Ethiopia, were also present virtually. Mr. Mohsan Ali, Director IMDD, TDAP, and Mr. Ali Mardan, the Desk Officer for the Africa Region, represented TDAP in person.
During the session, Mr. Ibrahim Khalid Tawab welcomed all the participants and shared his experience of leading business delegations to Ethiopia recently and highlighted the immense potential of bilateral trade between the two siDes. Ambassador of Pakistan in Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Atif Mian underlined the significance of trade with East Africa. Mr. Ambassador apprised that the Ethiopian trade volumes has doubled this year due to the government’s economic reforms in Ethiopia. He also highlighted Pakistan’s major exports to Ethiopia and potential for trade, which include rice, textiles, machinery, pharmaceuticals, auto parts, plastics, and chemicals.
Mr. Basit Saleem Shah, the Minister (Trade & Investment) in Ethiopia discussed the regional trade dynamics and emphasized the importance of focusing on the African market for trade diversification. He pointed out that the Ethiopian Airlines’ presence is a key enabler for enhanced trade with the East African region. He invited FPCCI member companies to participate in the upcoming PATDC & SCE, which will host delegates from various African nations, including Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda, and Nigeria.
During his presentation, Mr. Mohsan Ali, Director IMDD, TDAP, provided a comprehensive overview of Pakistan’s trade with the African region, detailing trade agreements. He highlighted main export and import products between the sides, and highlighted past initiatives by TDAP and the Ministry of Commerce to enhance trade with African region. He highlighted the success of previous PATDC & SCE events held in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt, and emphasized the strategic importance of the upcoming event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, scheduled to take place from 14-16 May, 2025.
During the session, the participants were encouraged to apply for the exhibition through TDAP and leverage the opportunity to network with African counterparts, showcasing Pakistan’s growing trade potential in the region.
The session underscored Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening trade relations with Ethiopia and other African nations, fostering economic growth, and exploring new avenues of collaboration in key sectors such as pharma, surgical and dental products along with Cosmetics and beauty items, textile and leather, auto parts, confectionary items, medical tourism, education, and digitalization.
