RAWALPINDI (Special Correspondent) – Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba, visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) to discuss bilateral economic cooperation, explore avenues for enhancing trade and investment, and highlight emerging business opportunities in Ethiopia’s growing economy. This Ethiopian Ambassador visit marks a significant step in fostering stronger institutional linkages between the two nations.

Key Points

• The Ethiopian Ambassador held high-level talks at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry to strengthen economic ties.
• Dr. Oumer Hussien Oba highlighted agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and ICT as key investment sectors in Ethiopia.
• Pakistan was invited to participate in the ‘Invest in Ethiopia’ forum and FINTEX Ethiopia 2027 from January 28 to January 31, 2027.
• RCCI leadership and the Ethiopian delegation discussed enhancing business-to-business contacts for mutual economic growth.

Strengthening Pakistan-Ethiopia Economic Cooperation

Upon his arrival, the Ambassador was warmly received by RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan, Senior Vice President Waseem Aslam, Vice President Ikram ur Rehman Abbasi, and members of the RCCI Executive Committee. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Melaw Getachew, Minister Counselor; Ms. Kalkidan Tadesse, Political and Economic Diplomacy In-charge; and Mr. Naveel Ahmed, Business Promotion Officer.

The meeting covered a broad range of issues, including bilateral trade, investment opportunities, institutional linkages, and future business collaborations. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the business communities of Pakistan and Ethiopia and establish stronger institutional connections to facilitate trade and investment. The Ambassador congratulated the newly elected office bearers of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and wished them a successful tenure ahead.

Investment Potential and Strategic Gateway

Addressing the RCCI members, the Ambassador described Ethiopia as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and a gateway to Africa, hosting the headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. He highlighted five key sectors offering promising investment prospects: agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and information and communication technology (ICT).

He encouraged Pakistani entrepreneurs and investors to explore these sectors, develop business partnerships, and benefit from Ethiopia’s expanding economic opportunities. The Ambassador also invited the Pakistani business community to participate in the high-level “Invest in Ethiopia” forum and FINTEX Ethiopia 2027 trade fair, scheduled to take place from January 28 to January 31, 2027. He emphasized that such platforms can help connect businesses, promote investment, and facilitate new commercial partnerships.

Future Collaborative Prospects

The visit provided an important opportunity to strengthen engagement between RCCI and the Ethiopian diplomatic mission and to explore practical avenues for expanding Pakistan-Ethiopia trade relations. Both sides expressed interest in promoting closer business-to-business contacts, encouraging investment, and pursuing future collaborations for mutual economic benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What key sectors for investment did the Ambassador highlight?

The Ambassador identified five key sectors for investment: agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and information and communication technology (ICT).

When is the FINTEX Ethiopia 2027 trade fair scheduled?

The FINTEX Ethiopia 2027 trade fair is scheduled to take place from January 28 to January 31, 2027.