ISLAMABAD (The Thursday Times) — Pakistan and Ethiopia have discussed linking their banking systems more closely to help trade and investment flow between the two countries, at a meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ethiopia’s ambassador, Dr Oumer Hussein Oba.
The ambassador stressed the importance of closer cooperation between the two countries’ banks, according to a statement issued on Monday. He was accompanied by Minister Counsellor Melaw Getachew and Kalkidan Tadesse, who is in charge of political diplomacy at the embassy.
Aurangzeb briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s reforms aimed at lasting economic stability and growth driven by investment. The two sides also talked about sharing development experience, given the similarities in their economies.
Fertiliser, fuel and flights
The talks covered trade and investment, and the effect of ongoing conflicts on energy supplies, fertiliser availability and food security, including the risks to farm output and wider economic activity.
The two sides also discussed air connectivity between Pakistan and Ethiopia and its role in building trade and people-to-people links.
Aurangzeb reaffirmed Pakistan’s interest in closer economic ties with Ethiopia, and both sides committed to keep working together on trade, investment, financial cooperation and connectivity.
