Pakistan and Ethiopia have reviewed progress on a proposed Visa-Free agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders. The move aims to strengthen bilateral relations and improve cooperation between the two countries.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Ethiopian Ambassador Oumer Hussein Oba. Senior officials from both countries also attended the meeting.
The proposed agreement would allow eligible diplomatic and official passport holders to travel without visas. However, it would not apply to ordinary passport holders. Officials have not announced a date for signing the agreement.
Pakistan and Ethiopia Discuss Visa Exemption
During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to improve bilateral relations and facilitate official travel. The proposed Visa-Free arrangement remains limited to specific categories of passport holders.
Rana Ihsan Afzal, Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul, and other senior officials attended the discussions. Both countries also reviewed opportunities to strengthen trade and economic cooperation.
The proposal is part of broader efforts to improve connections between Pakistan and Ethiopia. However, further progress is needed before the agreement can be formally signed.
Pakistan Seeks Better Access for Pharmaceutical Companies
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan urged Ethiopia to facilitate market access for Pakistani pharmaceutical companies. He also called for resolving problems affecting the registration of medicines in Ethiopia.
Kamal highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry in African markets. He said improved access could create new opportunities for Pakistani exporters.
Pakistani pharmaceutical companies could benefit from fewer registration-related obstacles. However, the relevant authorities must address these issues before companies can expand their operations.
Ethiopia Reviews Pending Medicine Registration Cases
Ethiopian Ambassador Oumer Hussein Oba said he had raised pending registration cases with the relevant authorities. According to the ambassador, officials had assured him that the issues would be addressed.
Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul also stressed the importance of sending an Ethiopian technical team to Pakistan. The team would inspect and assess pharmaceutical companies.
Such a visit could help Ethiopian officials evaluate Pakistani manufacturers and their facilities. It could also support discussions about medicine registration and future trade opportunities.
Both Countries Agree to Strengthen Trade Relations
Pakistan and Ethiopia agreed to work together to remove trade barriers and improve institutional coordination. Both sides emphasized the need for stronger connections between their relevant departments.
The discussions also covered Ethiopia’s accession process to the World Trade Organization. The issue formed part of broader talks about trade cooperation and economic relations.
The proposed Visa-Free agreement could make official travel easier for eligible passport holders once approved. For now, the arrangement remains under discussion, with no signing date announced.
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Further developments will depend on progress in the negotiations and the formal approval process.
