The 5th Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference (PATDC) and Made in Pakistan Exhibition officially opened today at Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
This landmark event, jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of Pakistan, and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), in collaboration with the Embassy of Pakistan in Addis Ababa, aims to promote trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Africa.
The three-day conference and exhibition bring together over 100 leading Pakistani exporters and industry representatives alongside business and government delegates from Ethiopia and other African countries, creating a crucial platform for enhancing trade and investment.
At the opening ceremony, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Mian Atif Sharif delivered the welcome address, emphasising that the event reflects Pakistan’s ongoing “Look Africa” policy. He stated, “This platform embodies Pakistan’s strong commitment to deepen economic engagement with Africa, particularly East Africa.”
Ambassador Jemal Bakir of Ethiopia highlighted the growing bilateral relations, noting that the conference offers tangible opportunities for both countries’ business communities. “Platforms like PATDC create opportunities for both our business communities,” he said.
The Director General for Asia and Oceania at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dewano Kedir, stressed Ethiopia’s readiness to support further partnerships. He called the collaboration between Ethiopia and Pakistan a model for South-South cooperation.
On Pakistan’s behalf, Mr. Basit Saleem Shah, Minister (Trade & Investment) at the Embassy of Pakistan in Addis Ababa, praised the Ethiopian government’s support. “This event will unlock opportunities that go beyond trade,” he said, adding that it would build enduring business relationships and trust.
A presentation by Mr. Abdul Karim Memon, Director General of TDAP, highlighted Pakistan’s strong export performance and opportunities for African markets in textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and agricultural products.
Mr. Saquib Fayyaz, Senior Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), emphasized the importance of private sector collaboration. “Business-to-business partnerships will drive economic growth in the evolving Pakistan-Africa relationship,” he remarked.
H.E. Dr. Alemu Sime Feyisa, Minister of Transport and Logistics of Ethiopia, acknowledged the importance of the event and Ethiopia’s commitment to improving logistics infrastructure for more efficient cross-border trade. He stated, “We see today’s gathering as a new chapter in our trade relations with Pakistan.”
Pakistan’s Minister of Commerce, H.E. Jam Kamal Khan, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to African markets, emphasizing that the collaboration was not just about trade, but about shared growth and collective progress.
The event will feature high-level policy discussions, sectoral presentations, and B2B matchmaking sessions. Delegates from over ten African countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Tanzania, are attending. Day 1 saw hundreds of buyers from multiple sectors across Ethiopia, with more expected in the following days.
This 5th edition of the PATDC and Made in Pakistan Exhibition underscores Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to strengthening economic ties with Africa, focusing on mutual benefits, industrial cooperation, and shared prosperity.
