LAHORE (Special Correspondent) – Ethiopian Ambassador Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba has invited the Pakistani business community to explore investment and trade opportunities in Ethiopia, highlighting that the nation serves as a strategic gateway to African markets with competitive energy costs, robust industrial infrastructure, attractive investment incentives, and a growing economy.

Key Points

• Ethiopia offers immense potential for Pakistani investors across manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and textile sectors.
• The Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad will lead a business delegation to Ethiopia from January 24 to 29, 2027.
• Pakistan’s exports to Ethiopia currently stand at $5.1 million, while Ethiopia’s exports are $14.5 million.
• LCCI proposed establishing direct institutional links and virtual business meetings within a week.

Ambassador Emphasizes Trade and Regulatory Support

Addressing the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ambassador Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba noted that Ethiopia, boasting a population of over 130 million, presents substantial opportunities for foreign investors. He added that more economic sectors are being opened to international investment and assured stakeholders that active measures are underway to resolve regulatory hurdles faced by Pakistani pharmaceutical companies.

Highlighting upcoming diplomatic and commercial initiatives, it was revealed that the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad will spearhead a Pakistani business delegation to Ethiopia from January 24 to 29, 2027, aimed at cementing bilateral trade and investment ties between the two nations.

LCCI Leadership Calls for Enhanced Bilateral Trade

LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar stated that the existing bilateral trade figures fail to reflect the true economic potential shared between Pakistan and Ethiopia. Detailing the current exchange, he pointed out that Pakistan’s exports to Ethiopia stand at roughly $5.1 million, whereas Ethiopia’s exports to Pakistan approximate $14.5 million. He emphasized the urgent need for practical measures to scale up trade volumes, identifying promising sectors such as rice, textiles, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, food products, steel, marble, and agricultural machinery.

To accelerate this cooperation, the LCCI President proposed setting up direct institutional links between LCCI and the relevant Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce within a week. This initiative aims to launch virtual business meetings, identify high-potential sectors, and develop concrete commercial opportunities. He also welcomed Ethiopian business delegations to LCCI for structured B2B engagements, expressing full readiness to facilitate joint ventures and reciprocal trade delegations.

Industrial Base and Future Outlook

LCCI Vice President Chaudhry Khadim Hussain noted that the Lahore Chamber remains one of Pakistan’s premier business institutions, representing over 50,000 businesses and corporate entities. He emphasized that Lahore possesses a diverse and resilient industrial base, and expressed firm confidence that deepened economic cooperation with Ethiopia will unlock unprecedented avenues for mutual growth and sustainable trade partnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the current trade figures between Pakistan and Ethiopia?

Pakistan’s exports to Ethiopia stand at approximately $5.1 million, while Ethiopia’s exports to Pakistan are valued at around $14.5 million.

When is the upcoming business delegation scheduled to visit Ethiopia?

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

Which sectors offer the best opportunities for trade and investment?

Prominent sectors include rice, textiles, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, food products, steel, marble, and agricultural machinery.