Pakistan can be economically and commercially connected with African countries through trade, Ethiopia’s ambassador to Pakistan Jemal Beker Abdula said.

“There are vast opportunities for economic and trade relations between Pakistan and Ethiopia from which both countries can reap benefits,” she said at a meeting with Pakistan Africa Friendship Association chairman Zafar Bakhtawari and D. Watson Group Chief Executive Officer Waqar Bakhtawari at the Embassy of Ethiopia in Islamabad.

He said that in terms of their geo-strategic location, Pakistan and Ethiopia were located at a very important geographical location. He said Ethiopia is the second largest country in the continent of Africa in terms of population and economy and Pakistan can be connected with African countries through trade.

The ambassador said air connectivity is very important for bilateral trade relations for which direct air flights between the two countries (Karachi) would start soon. He said work from both sides was in the final phase and direct air flight would promote economic and trade relations between the two nations.

He said that after Karachi, the series of direct air flights to Ethiopia would also start in Lahore. He said the national airline of Ethiopia is one of the leading airlines in Africa with 110 air destinations, which helps in promoting connections in the top economies of the world.

He said Ethiopia is a country rich in natural resources in which gold and other minerals are abundant. “Pakistan is a big potential market and economic and trade relations between the two countries are in the interest of both the countries.” He said that the diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Ethiopia had started afresh and there is a desire on both sides to further increase the mutual relations.

He said the bilateral connections in the business community are very important for the promotion of trade and economic relations. He said he would give support to the business community and local chambers of commerce from Pakistan for the exchange of delegations and promotion of bilateral relations in both countries.

Zafar Bakhtawari said the direct air links between major cities of Pakistan and Ethiopia would boost trade relations and tourism between the two countries. He said direct air flight in both countries is vital for both emerging economies. He said that the airline of any country has a pivotal role in its economic development and prosperity.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk