Islamabad: In a virtual meeting held on Friday, Pakistan and Ethiopia agreed to bolster their trade relations while addressing Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and resolving outstanding market-access and pharmaceutical regulatory issues. The meeting was attended by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, and Ethiopia’s Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Yasmin Wohabrebbi.

According to Press Information Department, Minister Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Ethiopia, noting the country’s strategic position as a gateway to East African markets. He referenced his previous visit to Ethiopia with a Pakistani business delegation and highlighted opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles.

Minister Khan emphasized the importance of converting diplomatic goodwill into tangible commercial results and underscored Pakistan’s efforts to establish direct air connectivity with Ethiopia. He also called for resolving outstanding issues related to WTO market-access negotiations and pharmaceutical registrations.

Minister Wohabrebbi expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s constructive engagement and provided updates on Ethiopia’s progress toward WTO accession. She noted that 11 out of 17 bilateral market-access agreements had been finalized and sought Pakistan’s support in facilitating the remaining process while addressing mutual trade interests.

Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul highlighted the need for sustained technical coordination between institutions to tackle pending pharmaceutical registration issues and facilitate market access. He stressed the importance of regular follow-up to remove regulatory obstacles and promote private-sector engagement.

Both ministers agreed to enhance institutional cooperation, including the convening of the Joint Economic Committee, and to develop a roadmap for expanding bilateral trade and investment. They aim to address outstanding matters before their proposed bilateral engagement in February 2027.

The meeting concluded with Minister Khan reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to a robust economic partnership with Ethiopia, emphasizing that timely actions would unlock significant trade potential between the two nations. The session was also attended virtually by ambassadors, Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, and senior officials from both countries.