Representational image. PHOTO: REUTERS

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Commerce is opening a commercial section in Pakistan's embassy in Addis Ababa this year to develop linkages between the businesses of the two countries, said Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Textiles Abdul Razak Dawood.



Welcoming a delegation from Ethiopia, led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Markos Tekle, and State Minister for Trade and Industry Misiganu Arega, he elaborated the 'Look Africa Policy Initiative' of the commerce ministry, which was aimed at enhancing engagement and trade and investment relations with Africa.



Appreciating the relations between the two countries, Dawood expressed the desire to commensurate trade relations with political relations.



Areas of mutual cooperation were highlighted by both sides.



The adviser detailed export potential of Pakistan in multiple sectors including engineering goods, sugar, rice, agro-processed products, surgical, pharmaceutical and sports goods.



Dawood explained that Pakistan desired to make Ethiopia a hub for enhancing exports to Africa under 'Look Africa Policy Initiative' which was appreciated by the Ethiopian side.



Ethiopian foreign minister welcomed 'Look Africa Policy Initiative' and assured support for the newly opened office. He also announced that the country was planning to open its embassy in Islamabad soon.



The Ethiopian ministers reiterated the desire to upgrade political, trade, commercial and people-to-people contacts.



Ethiopian minister of trade expressed interest in exporting pulses, black tea, high-quality sesame seed and oilseeds to Pakistan.



He also informed that the country was working for the commencement of Ethiopian air flights to and from Karachi and expressed interest in hiring technical experts from Pakistan in fields of engineering, pharmaceutical, and IT sectors.



Both sides emphasised the need to translate brotherly relations into meaningful economic and trade cooperation.



The two nations also expressed interest in frequent engagements at government-to-government and business-to-business level coupled with activities for promoting trade.



Both sides agreed on removing impediments in the area of technical regulations, visa facilitation and finalisation of a memorandum of understanding on trade relations and treaty for the avoidance of double taxation.