Sialkot: Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) President Abdul Ghafoor Malik addressed the Ethiopia-Pakistan Business Forum and highlighted the potential of trade and investment development between Pakistan and Ethiopia.
According to SCCI, the event was attended by prominent personalities in Addis Ababa, such as Gebremeskel Chala, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Birtukan Ayano, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hanna Arayaselassi, Ethiopian Investment Commissioner, ECCSA Eng. Melaku Ezezew, Chairman of Pakistan Trade Development Organization Zubair Motivala, Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan Jamal Baker, and Pakistani Ambassador to Ethiopia Atif Sharif.
SCCI President Abdul Ghafoor Malik highlighted Ethiopia’s attractiveness as an investment hub due to its strong economic growth, strategic location and favorable investment climate.
The SCCI President said, “With its rich history of Ethiopia and large population, offers ample opportunities for Pakistani entrepreneurs looking to explore new markets. As one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, Ethiopia has maintained an average GDP growth rate of almost 10 percent over the past. decade.”
Malik also stressed the importance of resolving trade barriers and building closer business ties to take advantage of the untapped potential.
He took important steps such as the 2023 trade agreement offering 10 years of tax breaks to Pakistani investors, the start of direct flights and the establishment of an Ethiopian embassy in Pakistan.
President Malik also spoke about the industrial strength and culture of SMEs of Sialkot, Pakistan, known for high quality products such as sportswear, surgical equipment, workwear, gloves and leather goods, which are in high demand in Ethiopia and the African region.
This forum has promoted a new era of cooperation and mutual development, creating the basis for effective B2B meetings. “I believe today’s forum will lead to long-term cooperation that will benefit both countries,” he said.
