Ethiopian Ambassador Jemal Beker Abdula called on Caretaker Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar in Islamabad today.
During the meeting, both the dignitaries discussed matters of mutual interest, including connectivity, economic, financial and social cooperation.
Welcoming the Ambassador, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar said there are multiple avenues for both countries to explore markets and investment opportunities. She reiterated the need for early establishment of Joint Ministerial Commission between the two countries. The Joint Ministerial Commission would be a platform where a wide range of investment options and issues can be discussed to enhance bilateral relations and economic cooperation.
Jemal Beker Abdula said Ethiopia is an attractive market for Pakistani financial sector, agricultural, pharmaceutical and technological products. He urged Pakistani financial institutions to explore Ethiopia’s potentially lucrative markets. He extended invitation to Pakistani banks to open their branches in Ethiopia to improve confidence among investors. He informed that Ethiopia would like to replicate Islamic banking system of Pakistan through learning and financial exchange program. He said that confidence-building measures would be taken for Pakistani traders to enhance bilateral trade between the two countries.
The Finance Minister thanked Jemal Beker Abdula and said that Ethiopian financial experts can visit Pakistan to interact with the financial sector of Pakistan. She also expressed the desire to further deepen bilateral trade and investment ties with Ethiopia.
