Business leaders prepare for key Africa trade conference in May

KARACHI: Pakistan is ramping up efforts to strengthen trade ties with Africa, with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) hosting an awareness seminar on Monday to promote the upcoming 5th Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition (PATDC & SCE). The event will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from May 14 to 16, 2025.

The seminar, held at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) in Karachi, attracted senior business leaders, exporters and trade officials. FPCCI President Atif Ikram Shaikh presided over the event, joined virtually by Pakistan’s ambassador to Ethiopia Atif Mian and Kalkidan Tadasse, economic counsellor at the Ethiopian Embassy in Pakistan.

Mian highlighted Ethiopia’s recent economic reforms, which have doubled its trade volumes this year, and identified key export opportunities for Pakistan in rice, textiles, machinery, pharmaceuticals, auto parts, and chemicals. “East Africa presents immense untapped potential for Pakistan’s trade diversification,” he said.

TDAP Director Mohsan Ali provided an overview of trade dynamics between Pakistan and Africa, detailing previous successes in markets such as Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. He said that Ethiopia’s strategic location and Ethiopian Airlines’ connectivity make it a critical gateway to East African markets.

Basit Saleem Shah, minister for trade and investment in Ethiopia, encouraged Pakistani businesses to leverage the upcoming Addis Ababa event, which will include delegates from across Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria.

The session also underscored key sectors for collaboration, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, leather, auto parts and digitalisation, reflecting Pakistan’s growing interest in tapping African markets. Participants were urged to register for the exhibition through TDAP and seize the opportunity to highlight the country’s export potential.