Pakistan, Ethiopia move to fast-track drug registration for exports

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan called for expediting regulatory approvals for Pakistani pharmaceutical companies seeking access to the Ethiopian market, as Pakistan and Ethiopia discussed expanding bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation.

The discussions took place during a meeting with Ethiopian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Oumer Hussein Oba, who called on the minister at his office in Islamabad. Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industries Rana Ihsaan Afzal, Federal Secretary for Commerce Jawad Paul and senior Ministry officials attended the meeting, read a statement on Tuesday.

Jam Kamal highlighted Pakistan’s growing pharmaceutical industry and its interest in expanding exports to African markets. He stressed that timely regulatory approvals and transparent procedures were essential to building confidence among Pakistani exporters and strengthening commercial ties with Ethiopia.

The minister emphasised the importance of close coordination between regulatory authorities, diplomatic missions and trade officials to address pending issues and facilitate market access. He also highlighted the need to strengthen business-to-business engagement, remove trade barriers and identify practical opportunities to increase bilateral trade.

The Ethiopian envoy informed that he had taken up the pending pharmaceutical registration issues with the relevant Ethiopian health authorities and received positive assurances regarding their early resolution.

Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul stressed the importance of expediting the proposed visit of the Ethiopian technical team to Pakistan for the necessary inspection and evaluation of pharmaceutical companies. He emphasised that timely completion of technical assessments and regulatory formalities would help accelerate pending approvals and facilitate Pakistani pharmaceutical exports to Ethiopia.

The meeting also reviewed Ethiopia’s ongoing World Trade Organisation (WTO) accession process. Jam Kamal underscored the importance of reciprocal market access, mutual economic benefits and practical confidence-building measures in advancing trade cooperation. The ambassador expressed Ethiopia’s willingness to address Pakistan’s concerns through constructive consultations.

The minister appreciated Ethiopia’s rapid infrastructure development and described the country as a potential gateway for Pakistani businesses seeking access to East African markets. He highlighted opportunities in pharmaceuticals, food products, banking and other sectors, while stressing the importance of improved connectivity and greater business exchanges.

Both sides also discussed progress on a proposed visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders, with the ambassador expressing hope for its early finalisation.