TDAP hosts webinar to tap Ethiopian market for agro and food exports

KARACHI: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), through its International Markets Development Division (Africa Desk), organised a webinar titled ‘Explore the Ethiopian Market for Agro and Food Products’ on December 20.

Held in collaboration with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade and Investment, the event aimed to boost bilateral trade ties and create new export opportunities for Pakistani agriculture and food products in the Ethiopian market.

The webinar garnered strong participation, with over 48 representatives from Pakistan’s agro and food sectors attending. The interactive session underscored the growing interest among Pakistani exporters in tapping into the untapped Ethiopian market.

Keynote speakers included Pakistan’s Minister (Trade and Investment) in Ethiopia Basit Saleem Shah; Trade and Investment Counsellor in Kenya Adeela Younus; and Trade and Investment Attache in Nigeria Samnoon Basra. Prominent Ethiopian experts such as Bizuayrhu Gebreyrs from Zeta General Trading, Selome Getachew from Bridge Consultancy, and Helen Asnake, a banking transactions consultant, provided crucial insights on market dynamics and trade facilitation.

Shah detailed the immense trade potential between Pakistan and Ethiopia and highlighted opportunities in other East African nations like Djibouti. He noted Ethiopia’s increasing demand for the country’s agro and food products, urging exporters to explore these prospects.

Younus offered an overview of trade trends in East Africa, focusing on the country’s strong trade relationship with Kenya, while Samnoon Basra shared insights into the trade landscape between Pakistan and Nigeria. Ethiopian experts added value by sharing practical guidance on navigating Ethiopia’s market, consultancy services, and banking procedures, essential for successful market entry.

This initiative is part of TDAP’s larger strategy to deepen trade ties with African markets. It also serves as a precursor to the fifth Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition, set to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from May 14-16, 2025. The upcoming event will provide Pakistani exporters a platform to showcase their products and expand their reach in the East African region.

TDAP has encouraged exporters to actively participate in the conference to capitalise on Ethiopia’s trade potential and strengthen economic connections with the African continent.