Pakistan Seeks Faster Drug Approvals to Boost Exports to Ethiopia
Jam Kamal Khan Pushes for Faster Drug Registration in Ethiopia
The issue was discussed during a meeting between Jam Kamal Khan and Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Oumer Hussein Oba at the minister’s office in Islamabad. Senior Ministry of Commerce officials, Federal Secretary for Commerce Jawad Paul and Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Commerce and Industries Rana Ihsaan Afzal also attended the meeting.
The commerce minister highlighted the growth of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry and its ambitions to increase exports to African markets. He stressed that timely regulatory approvals, transparent procedures and stronger business relationships were essential to building confidence among Pakistani exporters seeking access to Ethiopia.
Jam Kamal Khan also called for closer coordination between regulatory authorities, diplomatic missions and trade officials to resolve outstanding issues. He emphasised the need to remove trade barriers, strengthen business-to-business engagement and identify practical measures to increase bilateral commerce.
Ethiopia Signals Progress on Pharmaceutical Registrations
Ambassador Oumer Hussein Oba informed the meeting that he had raised pending pharmaceutical registration issues with the relevant Ethiopian health authorities and received positive assurances regarding their timely resolution.
Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul highlighted the importance of accelerating a proposed visit by an Ethiopian technical team to Pakistan. The delegation is expected to inspect and evaluate Pakistani pharmaceutical companies as part of the approval process.
He said completing technical assessments and regulatory formalities promptly would help resolve pending applications and facilitate pharmaceutical exports from Pakistan to Ethiopia.
Pakistan and Ethiopia Explore Wider Trade Opportunities
The meeting also reviewed Ethiopia’s ongoing process of accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Jam Kamal Khan emphasised reciprocal market access, mutual economic benefits and confidence-building measures as key elements of stronger bilateral trade relations.
The Ethiopian ambassador expressed his country’s willingness to address Pakistan’s concerns through constructive consultations, signalling an interest in advancing economic cooperation between the two countries.
The minister praised Ethiopia’s infrastructure development and described the country as a potential gateway for Pakistani businesses seeking to expand into East African markets. He identified pharmaceuticals, food products, banking and other industries as areas offering opportunities for greater commercial engagement.
Both sides also discussed improving connectivity and increasing business exchanges to help translate economic potential into tangible trade and investment outcomes.
Visa Waiver Agreement Also Reviewed
Ambassador Oumer Hussein Oba reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Pakistan, while acknowledging that bilateral trade had yet to realise its full potential.
The two sides also reviewed a proposed visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports. The Ethiopian ambassador expressed optimism that the agreement would be finalised soon.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to resolving outstanding issues, strengthening institutional coordination and expanding trade and investment cooperation between Pakistan and Ethiopia.
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