ISLAMABAD: As many as 80 Pakistani businessmen, traders, investors and industrialists concluded their five-day business trip to Ethiopia on high note, writing new chapter in bilateral relations between two countries.

During their stay, Pakistani business community had successful meetings with leadership of Ethiopia, senior officials of government and Ethiopian Investment Commission and business community. 2nd Business and Trade Delegation took place as follow up to first one held in March last year. Delegation had presence of business community from diverse economic sectors of Pakistan including agriculture and agro processing, manufacturing, mining, Information and Communication Technology, tourism, construction, fertilizer, oral care, pulses and spices. Delegation, designed by Ethiopia’s Embassy Islamabad, included government officials and prominent businessmen and industrialists including Trade and Development Authority of Pakistan Chairman Zubair Motiwala, Presidents of Sialkot and Faisalabad Chambers of Commerce and Industry Abdul Ghafoor Malik and Dr. Khurram Tariq, respectively, President of Sundar Industry and Trade Association Malik Azhar Ali, former President of Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce Umar Ashraf, Forward Sports Director Khawaja Masood and Chief Executive Officer of AirSial Fazal Jilani. Pakistani business community opened their business trip with visit to historical Adwa Victory Memorial which was followed by cultural night arranged by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.

Ambassador Mesganu Arega, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia graced occasion as chief guest. Second day of their visit was most productive as they participated in dedicated Ethio-Pakistan Business Forum which was launched by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, Chala G/meskele, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Hanna Arayaselassie, Ethiopia Investment Commissioner and Aklilu Tadesse Chief Executive Officer of Industry Parks Development Cooperation.