Pakistan, Ethiopia Agree to Remove Trade Barriers, Expand Bilateral Trade and Investment
Independent report
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Ethiopia have agreed to remove trade barriers, facilitate market access and expand bilateral trade and investment cooperation during a high-level virtual meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Ethiopia’s Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Yasmin Wohabrebbi, on Friday.
The discussions focused on strengthening economic relations, resolving outstanding pharmaceutical registration issues and facilitating Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Jam Kamal Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Ethiopia, describing it as an important gateway to East African markets. Recalling his earlier visit to Ethiopia with a Pakistani business delegation, he appreciated the country’s economic progress and highlighted opportunities for cooperation in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles and investment.
The federal minister emphasised the need to translate diplomatic goodwill into tangible commercial outcomes. He highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to facilitate direct air connectivity with Ethiopia and called for the early resolution of outstanding issues relating to WTO market-access negotiations and pharmaceutical registrations.
Ethiopian Minister Yasmin Wohabrebbi appreciated Pakistan’s constructive engagement and briefed the meeting on progress towards her country’s WTO accession. She informed the participants that Ethiopia had concluded 11 of the 17 bilateral market-access agreements and sought Pakistan’s cooperation in facilitating the remaining accession process through continued consultations.
Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul emphasised the importance of sustained coordination between relevant institutions to resolve pending pharmaceutical registration matters, facilitate market access and remove regulatory bottlenecks. He also stressed the need for regular follow-up and greater private-sector engagement.
Both sides discussed convening the Joint Economic Committee and developing a practical roadmap to expand bilateral trade and investment.
The two ministers expressed their intention to pursue outstanding matters ahead of their proposed bilateral engagement in February 2027.
Concluding the meeting, Jam Kamal Khan said timely decisions and concrete measures would help unlock new trade opportunities and strengthen economic partnership between the two countries.
Ambassadors of Pakistan and Ethiopia, Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul and senior officials from both countries also participated in the virtual meeting.
