- Dr. Oumer H. Oba Highlights Ethiopia’s Economic Reforms, Industrial Potential and Strategic Gateway to African Markets at RCCI Meeting
RAWALPINDI: H.E. Dr. Oumer H. Oba, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Pakistan, on Tuesday visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and held an interactive session with members of the business community to explore opportunities for strengthening bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
Upon his arrival, the Ambassador was warmly received by Mr. Nosherwan Khalil Khan, President of RCCI; Mr. Waseem Aslam, Senior Vice President; Mr. Ikram ur Rehman Abbasi, Vice President; and other members of the chamber’s executive body.
The Ambassador congratulated the newly elected office-bearers of RCCI and expressed his best wishes for a successful and productive tenure, emphasising the importance of business-led cooperation in promoting economic growth and strengthening bilateral relations.
Ethiopia Offers Promising Opportunities for Pakistani Investors
Addressing RCCI members, Ambassador Dr. Oumer H. Oba highlighted Ethiopia’s growing economic potential and its strategic position as a gateway to the African continent. He noted that Ethiopia hosts the headquarters of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, making it an important centre for continental diplomacy, regional cooperation and economic engagement.
The Ambassador explained that Ethiopia is actively encouraging international trade and investment through its homegrown economic reforms, which have opened several sectors to foreign direct investment. He highlighted the country’s industrial parks, access to affordable and sustainable electricity, expanding regional economic integration and international air connectivity through Ethiopian Airlines as key advantages for investors.
He emphasised that Ethiopia offers significant opportunities for Pakistani businesses seeking to diversify their markets, establish commercial partnerships and expand their presence across Africa.
Ethiopian Embassy Plans Business Delegation to Ethiopia
During the session, Ambassador Dr. Oba shared details of a business delegation to Ethiopia being planned by the Embassy of Ethiopia in Islamabad. He invited members of the Rawalpindi business community to participate in the proposed visit to explore investment opportunities, develop direct business contacts and identify areas of mutual commercial interest.
The Ambassador encouraged Pakistani entrepreneurs and investors to examine Ethiopia’s potential in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, information and communication technology (ICT), and tourism.
He underscored the importance of direct engagement between the private sectors of both countries in translating the existing goodwill between Ethiopia and Pakistan into practical business ventures, stronger trade links and long-term investment partnerships.
RCCI Seeks Stronger Pakistan–Ethiopia Business Partnerships
Welcoming the Ambassador, RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan briefed him on the chamber’s role in promoting trade, investment and industrial development, as well as the major sectors represented by its members.
He stressed the need to strengthen commercial relations between Pakistan and Ethiopia and called for greater collaboration to facilitate business-to-business contacts, encourage investment and identify new avenues for bilateral trade.
The RCCI president particularly highlighted the potential for cooperation in pharmaceuticals, surgical goods, textiles and agriculture, expressing confidence that enhanced engagement between the two countries’ business communities could generate mutually beneficial economic opportunities.
He assured the Ambassador of the chamber’s support in promoting Pakistan–Ethiopia trade and investment relations and expressed keen interest in exploring Ethiopia’s commercial and investment potential in the future.
Private-Sector Engagement to Drive Bilateral Economic Cooperation
The meeting reflected the shared interest of the Ethiopian Embassy and RCCI in strengthening economic diplomacy through direct engagement between business leaders, entrepreneurs and investors.
Greater cooperation in trade, investment, industrial development and sector-specific partnerships could help Pakistani businesses access emerging African markets while enabling Ethiopian enterprises to benefit from Pakistan’s industrial expertise and commercial capabilities.
The proposed business delegation to Ethiopia is expected to provide an important platform for exploring practical opportunities, building lasting business relationships and advancing mutually beneficial economic cooperation between Pakistan and Ethiopia.
BY: The Times Union
