Pakistani Investors Eye Ethiopia’s Booming Economy, Says Ambassador Atif Sharif Mian

Addis Ababa, May 9, 2025 (ENA) — Pakistan and Ethiopia are strengthening their bilateral relations by enhancing cooperation in critical areas including aviation, commerce, education, and information technology.

Atif Sharif Mian, who serves as Pakistan’s Ambassador to both Ethiopia and the African Union, emphasized Pakistan’s strong interest in Ethiopia’s growing economic sector.

When speaking with ENA, he highlighted the opportunities for increased collaboration among developing countries and expressed Pakistan’s eagerness to broaden alliances in areas such as health, education, and culture to strengthen interpersonal ties.

He highlighted the reciprocal assistance in the multinational sphere, where Ethiopia supported Pakistan’s campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council, and Pakistan responded by endorsing Ethiopia’s run for membership on the UN Human Rights Council.

He additionally highlighted the robust cultural interactions between the two nations.

Ambassador Mian emphasized Pakistan’s key priority of enhancing relationships in the areas of health, education, and culture to foster greater mutual comprehension and collaboration.

He characterized Ethiopia as “a new horizon for development,” highlighting Africa’s youthful demographic of approximately 1.5 billion individuals, with Ethiopia contributing about 125 to 130 million inhabitants, mostly comprising young people.

The Ambassador highlighted Ethiopia’s substantial agricultural capabilities and abundant workforce, pointing out the consistent expansion of economic ties, notably in trading activities.

Ethiopia has implemented ambitious and brave economic changes at home and abroad, which include working with the IMF. This shift towards liberalizing the foreign exchange system has notably narrowed the difference between unofficial and official exchange rates,” he noted, further mentioning that such transformations are generating a more appealing climate for investors.

In addition, Ambassador Mian highlighted that Ethiopia’s promotion of exports alongside the restriction of non-essential imports, coupled with the openness of the banking and retail industries to foreign investments, marks considerable advancement.

He pointed out that Ethiopia’s choice to permit international land ownership has significantly enhanced investors’ trust by reducing uncertainties and boosting their chances of achieving success.

Ambassador Mian highlighted that as a key entry point to the Horn of Africa and the broader continent, Ethiopia presents a large marketplace and significant opportunities for investors from Pakistan.

Over the last two years, approximately 160 Pakistani businesspeople have traveled to Ethiopia to seek out potential opportunities. Several of these individuals are looking into starting new projects, whereas those who are already invested are increasing their activities within the country. This trend showcases considerable progress.

The Ambassador additionally highlighted the expanding aviation collaboration, mentioning that Ethiopian Airlines presently manages four routes to Karachi, with talks in progress for potential growth.