Pakistan, Ethiopia Agree To Fast-Track Pharmaceutical Approvals And Expand Trade Ties
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✧ GENERATE BRIEFING
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan met with Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Oumer Hussein Oba in Islamabad on October 13, 2026, to discuss fast-tracking regulatory approvals for Pakistani pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking market entry into Ethiopia. The meeting attended by Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul and the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Commerce and Industries, Rana Ihsaan Afzal focused on expanding bilateral trade and utilizing Ethiopia as a trade gateway to East Africa. Key trade, regulatory, and institutional outcomes include: Accelerated Technical Inspections: The Ministry of Commerce urged the early deployment of an Ethiopian technical inspection team to evaluate Pakistani pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, aiming to clear pending drug registration backlogs. Regulatory Assurances: Ambassador Dr. Oba confirmed that the pending pharmaceutical registration matters have been raised with Ethiopian health authorities, with positive commitments to expedite clearances.
Pakistan and Ethiopia have discussed expediting regulatory approvals for Pakistani pharmaceutical companies seeking access to the Ethiopian market, as both countries explore opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan raised the issue during a meeting with Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Oumer Hussein Oba in Islamabad. Senior Commerce Ministry officials, including Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul and the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Commerce and Industries, Rana Ihsaan Afzal, also attended the meeting.
Regulatory Acceleration and Technical Evaluation
Jam Kamal highlighted Pakistan’s growing pharmaceutical industry and its interest in expanding exports to African markets. He stressed that timely approvals and transparent regulatory procedures were necessary to build confidence among Pakistani exporters and improve commercial relations.
The Ethiopian ambassador said he had raised pending pharmaceutical registration matters with the relevant health authorities in Ethiopia and received positive assurances regarding their early resolution.
Pakistan’s Commerce Ministry also called for an early visit by an Ethiopian technical team to inspect and evaluate Pakistani pharmaceutical companies. Completing these assessments could help resolve outstanding regulatory requirements and accelerate access to the Ethiopian market.
WTO Accession and Sectoral Cooperation
The two sides also discussed Ethiopia’s ongoing World Trade Organization accession process. Jam Kamal emphasised reciprocal market access and mutual economic benefits, while the Ethiopian ambassador expressed willingness to address Pakistan’s concerns through consultations.
Beyond pharmaceuticals, the discussions covered potential cooperation in food products, banking and other sectors. Pakistan also identified Ethiopia as a potential gateway for domestic businesses seeking access to wider East African markets, with improved connectivity and business-to-business engagement viewed as important to expanding trade.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to resolving pending issues and strengthening economic ties. They also reviewed progress on a proposed visa-waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports.
