Naveed Miraj & Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Ambassador to Pakistan Jemal Beker Abdula visited the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), where he highlighted unexplored business, trade, and investment prospects in Ethiopia and across the African continent.
Upon his arrival, Ambassador Jemal Beker Abdula was warmly received by the ICCI leadership, including its President, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari.
Addressing the gathering of entrepreneurs, Ambassador Abdula underscored the significance of Pakistan establishing a stronger presence in Africa, a continent with a population exceeding 1.4 billion and vast untapped potential.
He emphasized that Africa represents the future of global commerce and urged Pakistani business leaders to align with these promising opportunities.
Ethiopia: A Gateway for Pakistani Entrepreneurs to Africa
Highlighting Ethiopia’s pivotal role as a gateway to Africa, he explained how this facilitates seamless trade across the continent. Ethiopia, he noted, stands as the world’s fastest-growing economy, generating over 97 percent of its energy from clean, green, and sustainable sources, including hydro and geo-thermal, thus positioning itself as an investment haven for global entrepreneurs.
The Ambassador extended a warm invitation to Pakistani investors, assuring them of the Ethiopian government’s full support and offering opportunities to establish dedicated economic zones within the country.
He commended the proactive efforts of the Pakistani business community and recalled a significant visit earlier in the year, where more than 75 Pakistani businessmen, accompanied by ICCI representatives, explored business ties.
Ambassador Jemal Beker Abdula emphasized the critical importance of such visits, encapsulating it in the principle that “seeing is believing.”
ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari lauded the Ambassador’s proactive role in nurturing bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Pakistan throughout the past year. Expressing strong interest, he announced plans to assemble a substantial trade delegation to Ethiopia.
In addition to these developments, the Ambassador extended his congratulations to the ICCI office bearers on their tenure extension, further cementing the ties between the two nations.
Had a fruitful meeting with Islamabad 🇵🇰's business community on their key role in strengthening bilateral relations between 🇪🇹&🇵🇰 esp. by contributing to bilateral trade.
Also breifed them on business, trade & investment opportunities in #Ethiopia & #Africa.
Grateful to… pic.twitter.com/S4tVjpdoOg— Ambassador Jemal Beker (@JemalBeker1) October 28, 2023
