Pakistan has significantly advanced its “Look Africa” policy with the inauguration of the 5th Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Made in Pakistan Exhibition, a major three-day event in Addis Ababa aimed at forging stronger economic and commercial ties with the continent.
According to official information today, the summit, held at Millennium Hall, is a collaborative effort by Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), with support from the Pakistani Embassy in Addis Ababa. The gathering convenes over 100 prominent Pakistani exporters with government and business delegates from Ethiopia and other African nations.
The opening ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Quran and the national anthems of Ethiopia, the African Union, and Pakistan. In his welcome address, H.E. Ambassador Mian Atif Sharif of Pakistan emphasized the event”s strategic importance. “This platform embodies Pakistan’s strong commitment to deepen economic engagement with Africa, particularly East Africa,’ he stated, calling Addis Ababa the “perfect venue for this important partnership.”
Echoing the sentiment of collaboration, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Ambassador Jemal Bakir, highlighted the steady growth in bilateral relations. Ambassador Dewano Kedir, a Director General at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised Pakistan”s proactive engagement and described the collaboration as “a model for South-South cooperation.”
Pakistani officials outlined the potential for substantial growth. Mr. Basit Saleem Shah, Minister for Trade and Investment, remarked that the event will “create enduring business linkages,” while TDAP Director General Abdul Karim Memon presented key export opportunities in textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and agricultural products for African markets.
Representing the private sector, Mr. Saquib Fayyaz, Senior Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), identified direct business-to-business engagement as crucial. ‘Business-to-business partnerships will be the real drivers of economic growth in this evolving Pakistan-Africa relationship,’ he said.
The Guest of Honor, H.E. Dr. Alemu Sime Feyisa, Ethiopia”s Minister of Transport and Logistics, affirmed his country”s commitment to improving infrastructure to support commerce. ‘We see today’s gathering as a new chapter in our trade relations with Pakistan,’ Dr. Alemu declared.
H.E. Jam Kamal Khan, Pakistan”s Minister of Commerce, reaffirmed his government”s dedication, stating, ‘Our collaboration with Africa is not only about trade-it’s about shared growth and collective progress.’ The formal opening concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, after which dignitaries toured the exhibition to interact with exhibitors.
The three-day conference will include policy discussions and business matchmaking sessions, with participation from delegates from over ten African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Sudan. The first day saw hundreds of local buyers, with organizers anticipating a larger turnout in the coming days.
This fifth edition of the conference underscores Pakistan”s sustained strategy to strengthen economic and commercial connections across Africa, focusing on mutual benefit and shared prosperity.