Pakistan and Ethiopia have agreed to strengthen trade, investment and economic cooperation during a meeting in Islamabad. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met Ethiopian Ambassador Dr Omar Hussein Oba on Monday. Both sides discussed ways to expand financial ties and improve economic relations between the two countries. The talks also focused on shared development experiences and opportunities for mutual cooperation.
According to an official statement, the meeting covered trade, investment and financial collaboration. Aurangzeb briefed the Ethiopian ambassador on Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms and measures to support economic growth. Both sides highlighted the importance of learning from each other’s development experiences. They also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation across different economic sectors.
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Banking links between Pakistan and Ethiopia featured prominently in the discussions. The two sides stressed the need to improve financial connections and expand commercial cooperation. Stronger banking relations could support trade and investment between the countries. However, the statement did not announce any specific agreements or financial targets.
The meeting also examined how regional conflicts affect energy supplies, fertiliser availability and food security. Both sides discussed the importance of preparing for external economic shocks. They emphasised cooperation to address challenges that could disrupt essential supplies. These concerns formed part of broader discussions on economic stability and resilience.
Energy and agricultural supplies remain important areas of concern when regional tensions disrupt markets. Pakistan and Ethiopia discussed these challenges in the context of their economic cooperation. Both countries highlighted the value of coordinated efforts to manage external pressures. The statement did not identify any specific conflict or supply disruption.
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The discussions also covered the expansion of air links and people-to-people contacts. Improved connectivity could support closer interaction between businesses and communities in both countries. The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening connections alongside commercial and financial ties. However, officials did not announce any new flight routes or implementation dates.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular communication to advance trade, investment and economic cooperation. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss shared priorities and potential areas for collaboration. Further progress will depend on continued engagement between the two sides. No specific timeline for future measures was announced.