ISLAMABAD, Oct 13 (DNA):Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Tuesday called for expediting regulatory approvals for Pakistani pharmaceutical companies seeking access to the Ethiopian market, as Pakistan and Ethiopia discussed measure to expand bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation.
The discussions took place during a meeting between the minister and Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Oumer Hussein Oba, who called on him at his office here, said a news release.
Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industries Rana Ihsaan Afzal, Federal Secretary for Commerce Jawad Paul and senior Ministry officials also attended the meeting.
The minister highlighted Pakistan’s growing pharmaceutical industry and its potential to expand exports to African markets.
He stressed that timely regulatory approvals and transparent procedures were essential to building confidence among Pakistani exporters and strengthening commercial ties with Ethiopia.
He emphasised the need for close close coordination among regulatory authorities, diplomatic missions and trade officials to address pending issues and facilitate market access. Jam Kamal also called for stronger business-to-business engagement, remove trade barriers and identify practical opportunities to increase bilateral trade.
The Ethiopian ambassador informed the minister that he had taken up the pending pharmaceutical registration issues with the relevant Ethiopian health authorities and received positive assurances regarding their early resolution.
Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul stressed the importance of expediting the proposed visit of the Ethiopian technical team to Pakistan for the necessary inspection and evaluation of pharmaceutical companies. He said timely completion of technical assessments and regulatory formalities would help accelerate pending approvals and facilitate Pakistani pharmaceutical exports to Ethiopia.
The meeting also reviewed Ethiopia’s ongoing World Trade Organization (WTO) accession process.
Jam Kamal underscored the importance of reciprocal market access, mutual economic benefits and practical confidence-building measures in advancing trade cooperation.
The Ambassador expressed Ethiopia’s willingness to address Pakistan’s concerns through constructive consultations.
The minister appreciated Ethiopia’s rapid infrastructure development and described the country as a potential gateway for Pakistani businesses seeking access to East African markets. He highlighted opportunities in pharmaceuticals, food products, banking and other sectors, while stressing the importance of improved connectivity and greater business exchanges.
Ambassador Oumer Hussein acknowledged the untapped potential of bilateral trade and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening economic relations with Pakistan.
Both sides also discussed progress on a proposed visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders, with the Ambassador expressing hope for its early finalisation.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to expedite pending matters, strengthen institutional coordination and translate bilateral engagement into tangible trade and investment opportunities.
