Ethiopian Airlines plans to start direct Lahore flights
Ethiopian
Airlines is planning to launch direct flights to Lahore to enhance business
linkages, improve connectivity, and promote cultural exchange between Pakistan
and Ethiopia.
This was informed by Ethiopia’s Ambassador to
Pakistan, Dr Oumer Hussein Oba, during a meeting with Commerce Minister Jam
Kamal Khan.
Both sides expressed satisfaction over the
growing momentum in Pakistan–Ethiopia relations and agreed to convert the
engagement into practical economic partnerships. The Commerce Minister said
recent bilateral contacts have created a “fresh foundation” for expanding
cooperation not only between the two countries but also across African markets.
The Minister proposed holding a multi-country business forum in Islamabad, inviting East African states to showcase Pakistan’s industrial capacity and explore new trade and investment opportunities.
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Highlighting Pakistan’s industrial base, he
said the country’s small and medium enterprises produce engineering goods,
agricultural machinery, home appliances, and consumer products. He stressed
strong prospects for cooperation in agriculture, engineering, and tractor
manufacturing, noting Pakistan’s expertise in mechanisation could support
African economies.
He also proposed joint ventures in the
cosmetics and personal care sector, citing rapid growth in Pakistan’s beauty
industry over the past few years.
Referring to Sialkot as a model of
private-sector-led development, the minister said the city is a global hub for
sports goods, surgical instruments, leather, and footwear exports, with strong
international demand.
On trade logistics, he emphasised the need to
reduce reliance on transhipment hubs and strengthen direct maritime links to
African ports, which could significantly cut transit time. He also highlighted
Karachi’s potential as a regional trade gateway linking Africa with Central
Asia.
Both sides also discussed tourism potential, with the minister calling Ethiopia’s natural landscape “remarkable” and describing Pakistan as a “sleeping giant” in tourism.
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The Ethiopian Ambassador said a Single Country
Exhibition of Ethiopia will be held in Islamabad later this year, following a
successful event in Ethiopia. He also confirmed Ethiopian Airlines’ plan for
direct Lahore flights, calling it a major step to strengthen business and
cultural ties.
The Ethiopian side appreciated Pakistan’s
skilled workforce and hospitality sector, stressing the importance of human
capital development and cooperation in education and skills training.
Both countries agreed that expanding cooperation in agriculture, engineering, tourism, and industry could unlock significant economic opportunities, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening long-term bilateral trade and investment relations.
Source: Profit Pakistan