Kanwal Naseer

Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan Jemal Beker Abdula has lauded the Pakistan government for timely launching its "Engage Africa Policy" to find areas of mutual economic interest within the African continent through vigorous economic growth and trade. Addressing the Islamabad Conclave 2022, the ambassador said he firmly believed that the 21st century belonged to Africa, which is quickly becoming a top investment destination for all major investors worldwide. "Gone are the days when Africa was portrayed by the world as a gloomy and underdeveloped place, marred by civil wars and backwardness," he said, adding that the situation on the continent has changed altogether.

Jemal Abdula said that since the start of the 21^st century, African countries' governance practices have significantly improved, and political stability has become a distinguishing feature of the continent. This is due to increased democratic accountability and transparency within the governments, he added. He predicted that by 2050, about 25% of the world's population would reside in Africa, which would have an impact on the planet's future. He added that Africa's enormous population expansion will have an effect on geopolitics, international trade, the labour force, and other key possibilities.

Giving some recommendations for reaping the benefits of the "Engage Africa Policy," he urged the establishment of institutional ties between Pakistan and the African nations to foster bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation for enhanced political, security, economic, social, and cultural ties. He said it is also crucial for the Pakistani government to improve ties with Ethiopia, which serves as a gateway to Africa. Jemal Abdula said that Ethiopia has played a major role in pan-Africa since the colonial era and still has a significant legacy in influencing political, socioeconomic, and regional integration.

He stated that Ethiopia is a founding member of the League of Nations, the UN, the Organisation of African Unity, and the African Intercontinental Free Trade Agreement. Ethiopia also supports free trade and the movement of people, products, and services throughout the continent. He said that Ethiopian Airlines, the biggest Pan-African airline, was also owned by his country. The envoy stated that strengthening the bilateral ties between Ethiopia and Pakistan is of utmost significance, and the "opening of our mission in Islamabad reflects our commitment in this regard."

According to the envoy, Pakistan and Ethiopia are both the offspring of ancient civilizations, have sizable diasporas, and share comparable social, cultural, and political ideals. Ethiopia has a federal structure similar to Pakistan's, with periodic elections, he added. He said that Ethiopia's double-digit economy, which has improved the lives and well-being of its people, was on the rise. The country built a domestic economy, thanks to the changes started in 2018 under the leadership of Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, who wanted to make the nation a symbol of Africa's prosperity.

He declared that his goal is to increase bilateral trade between the two countries from its current low level of $78 million to $200 million by the end of 2023. He said that his country’s growth is fueled by inexpensive, environmentally friendly energy, which is also transferred to neighbouring African nations, such as Djibouti, Kenya, and Sudan, thus facilitating regional integration. The Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam is being built on the Nile River and almost finished.

The dam is expected to provide 6,500 MW of clean power that can be supplied to neighbouring nations and other areas at a low price. Jemal Beker Abdula said that a one-window facility, where investors would have access to all import and export facilities under one roof, was in the works. Ethiopia has been providing several incentives to investors who want to export the goods to other countries, after verifying that the goods are manufactured there, he continued.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk