The relationship between Ethiopia and Pakistan is witnessing a big headway, turbocharged by increased diplomatic engagement, expanding trade and investment, and a shared vision for mutual development. Building upon historical ties that stretch back to 1958, recent developments indicate a deepening strategic partnership between the two nations, particularly against the backdrop of evolving regional dynamics.
A tangible symbol of this strengthened bond is the recent inauguration of the Ethiopian Embassy in Islamabad. This pivotal step has unlocked avenues for enhanced collaboration across a multitude of sectors, fostering closer ties between the two countries.
Economically, the cooperation is becoming increasingly robust. Current trade ties encompass pharmaceuticals, surgical supplies, agricultural products, textiles, and leather goods. However, the potential for expansion remains substantial. Ethiopia, a significant importer of pharmaceutical and surgical products, presents a considerable market opportunity for Pakistani exporters. Conversely, Ethiopia’s thriving agricultural sector can supply Pakistan with high-quality commodities such as coffee, tea, pulses, soybeans, and oilseeds.
To proactively explore these burgeoning opportunities, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and the Ethiopian Embassy, had organized a Single Country Exhibition in Addis Ababa from May 15th to 17th, 2025. While initial reports suggested an extension due to the conflict between India and Pakistan, further clarification indicates the event proceeded as planned, successfully providing a platform for Pakistani businesses to engage with the Ethiopian market and, potentially, the wider African market through Ethiopia’s strategic position as a continental gateway.
Beyond commerce, diplomatic relations are also gaining momentum. Regular high-level delegation exchanges and the establishment of institutional linkages are cultivating a deeper understanding and facilitating cooperation on critical regional and international issues.
A significant aspect of this deepening cooperation is Islamabad’s commitment to supporting Addis Ababa’s pursuit of access to the sea. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Atif Sharif Mian, recently conveyed his nation’s strong support for Ethiopia’s quest for broader access to regional ports, emphasizing Ethiopia’s pivotal role in East Africa’s economic landscape to The Ethiopian Herald. He lauded Ethiopia’s large population and rapid economic growth, characterizing it as an “economic powerhouse” of the region. “The destiny of the whole region is tied with the destiny of Ethiopia,” Ambassador Mian asserted, highlighting the interconnected future of East Africa with Ethiopia’s prosperity.
Ambassador Mian further emphasized the crucial role of the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in driving economic integration across the continent. He argued that enhanced collaboration among regional nations on seaport access is vital for alleviating trade challenges and fostering sustained economic growth in Ethiopia.
Echoing this sentiment, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jemal Beker, highlighted a transformative shift in Ethiopia’s approach to sea access, declaring the previously sensitive topic now open for constructive dialogue. He noted ongoing efforts to inform global leaders about Ethiopia’s pressing need for maritime access, indicating a positive evolution in international perceptions.
Ambassador Jemal affirmed Pakistan’s support for Ethiopia’s endeavors, stressing the desire for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution. He revealed that discussions have been held with various nations to garner support for Ethiopia’s ambitions regarding seaport access. Furthermore, he identified the Ankara Agreement as a potentially significant element in improving relations between Ethiopia and Somalia, a key player in the sea access dialogue.
“Our goal is to ensure that the international community understands Ethiopia’s position,” he stated, signaling continued and strengthened negotiation efforts in the coming months.
Ambassador Atif Sharif Mian also expressed strong interest in broadening cooperation with Ethiopia across diverse sectors, including aviation, trade, investment, education, health, tourism, and information technology, underscoring the mutual economic advantages of such collaborations. He highlighted the cordial foundation of the Pakistan-Ethiopia relationship, rooted in shared economic objectives and long-standing historical bonds.
To further enhance connectivity, Ambassador Mian advocated for the expansion of flight routes between the two nations, citing the consistent growth in trade and investment as compelling reasons. He commended Ethiopia’s ongoing development efforts and significant economic reforms, including the liberalization of foreign exchange, banking, and retail sectors, as well as new policies regarding foreign property ownership. These progressive steps, integral to Ethiopia’s Home-Grown Economic Reforms, have already attracted a significant influx of Pakistani businesses, with 160 businesspersons launching projects in the past two years.
Demonstrating mutual diplomatic support, Ambassador Mian noted Pakistan’s endorsement of Ethiopia’s bid for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council and Ethiopia’s reciprocal backing of Pakistan’s candidacy for a UN Security Council seat. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to sharing expertise in crucial areas such as IT and cybersecurity, advancing South-South cooperation for industrialization.
Furthermore, Ambassador Mian highlighted Addis Ababa’s significant infrastructure upgrades as a compelling draw for foreign tourists, thereby spurring further investment in the tourism sector. “The deepening ties reflect our focus on win-win collaboration in priority sectors, with Ethiopia’s reforms boosting investor confidence,” the ambassador stated, underscoring the shared commitment of both nations to mutual prosperity.
He specifically praised Addis Ababa’s urban progress, recognizing its potential to significantly boost tourism and attract a greater number of foreign visitors, while pledging to actively promote Ethiopian destinations to Pakistani travelers. Ambassador Mian highlighted Addis Ababa’s infrastructure advancements, particularly the development of key corridors, as pivotal in attracting international tourists. He identified enhanced traffic management systems, reliable electricity supply, and a business-friendly environment as crucial factors driving the city’s investment appeal. The ambassador also described the metropolis’ “magnificently beautiful” attractions as prime opportunities for Pakistani tourists during stopovers, committing to actively encourage such visits.
Drawing parallels with Pakistani cities like Karachi and Islamabad, Ambassador Mian commended their mass transportation and waste management systems but suggested they could benefit from adopting Addis Ababa’s revenue generation strategies to achieve greater financial autonomy. He further described the Ethiopian capital as cleaner, greener, and undergoing rapid transformation, advocating for mutual learning in urban development between Ethiopia and Pakistan.
Ambassador Mian explicitly linked his efforts to promote tourism with Pakistan’s ‘Look Africa’ policy and the broader framework of South-South cooperation, aiming to cultivate robust cultural and people-to-people connections between the two nations.
Both Ethiopia and Pakistan recognize the substantial untapped potential inherent in their evolving relationship. With Ethiopia recognized as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies and Pakistan possessing a diverse industrial base and a strategically important geographic location, the synergies are readily apparent. Sectors such as agriculture, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, textiles, and leather goods hold significant promise for collaborative joint ventures and strategic investments.
The upcoming “Invest in Ethiopia 2025” forum further underscores Ethiopia’s proactive commitment to attracting foreign investment and fostering mutually beneficial economic partnerships.
Bolstered by a shared history, strengthening cultural bonds, and an increasing commitment to mutual prosperity, the relationship between Ethiopia and Pakistan is poised to ascend to new heights, promising significant and lasting benefits for both nations in the years ahead, particularly within the context of the dynamic East African region and broader South-South cooperation initiatives.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 20 MAY 2025
