Pakistan pushes for quicker pharma market access in Ethiopia

October 13, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan, Ethiopia discussed ways to expand bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation, with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan urging faster regulatory approvals for Pakistani pharmaceutical companies seeking entry into the Ethiopian market.

The discussion took place when Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Oumer Hussein Oba called on the Minister at his office in Islamabad.

Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industries Rana Ihsaan Afzal, Federal Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul and senior ministry officials were also present, said a press release issued.

Jam Kamal pointed to the growing size of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry and its interest in increasing exports to African markets.

He said timely approvals and transparent procedures were essential to build exporters’ confidence and strengthen commercial ties with Ethiopia.

He called for close coordination among regulators, diplomatic missions and trade officials to resolve pending issues and ease market access, along with stronger business-to-business contacts and the removal of trade barriers.

The Ambassador said he had taken up the pending pharmaceutical registration issues with the relevant Ethiopian health authorities and received positive assurances of early resolution.

Jawad Paul stressed the need to speed up the proposed visit of an Ethiopian technical team to Pakistan to inspect and evaluate pharmaceutical companies.

He said timely completion of technical assessments and regulatory formalities would help clear pending approvals and facilitate exports to Ethiopia.

The two sides also reviewed Ethiopia’s ongoing accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Jam Kamal stressed reciprocal market access, mutual economic benefits and practical confidence-building measures to advance trade cooperation.

The Ambassador said Ethiopia was willing to address Pakistan’s concerns through constructive consultations.

The Minister praised Ethiopia’s rapid infrastructure development and described it as a potential gateway for Pakistani businesses seeking access to East African markets.

He identified opportunities in pharmaceuticals, food products, banking and other sectors, and said better connectivity and more business exchanges were needed.

Dr Oba acknowledged the untapped potential of bilateral trade and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to stronger economic relations with Pakistan.

The two sides also reviewed progress on a proposed visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports, which the Ambassador hoped would be finalised soon.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment to resolve pending matters quickly, strengthen institutional coordination and turn bilateral engagement into tangible trade and investment opportunities.

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