The 5th Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference (PATDC) and Made in Pakistan Exhibition opened at Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa on 16 October 2025, launching a three-day platform aimed at expanding Pakistan Africa Trade and commercial ties with East Africa. Jointly organised by the Ministry of Commerce and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) with support from the Embassy of Pakistan in Addis Ababa, the event brings together more than 100 Pakistani exporters alongside business and government delegates from Ethiopia and across the continent.
The opening ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Quran and the national anthems of Ethiopia, the African Union and Pakistan, setting a formal tone for the conference. Ambassador Mian Atif Sharif, Pakistan’s envoy to Ethiopia, welcomed attendees and framed the gathering as a key element of Pakistan’s Look Africa policy, highlighting Addis Ababa’s strategic position as a gateway to the region and a hub for regional engagement.
Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jemal Bakir, and Ambassador Dewano Kedir, Director General for Asia and Oceania at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both praised the initiative and underscored the potential for deeper South-South cooperation. Delegates heard from Basit Saleem Shah, Minister (Trade & Investment) at the Pakistani Embassy, who stressed that the event aims to build enduring business linkages and mutual trust between private sectors.
TDAP Director General Abdul Karim Memon outlined Pakistan’s recent export performance and identified priority sectors for African markets, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering and agri-products. Saquib Fayyaz of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry emphasised that business-to-business partnerships will be central to scaling Pakistan Africa Trade and translating policy into tangible deals.
Guest of Honor Dr. Alemu Sime Feyisa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to improving logistics and investment frameworks to make cross-border trade faster and more efficient. Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan reaffirmed his government’s ongoing commitment to African markets and shared growth through strengthened economic cooperation.
The opening concluded with presentation of mementos, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a tour of exhibition stands where ministers and dignitaries engaged directly with exhibitors. Day one attracted hundreds of buyers from multiple Ethiopian sectors, and organisers expect an even broader turnout over the remaining two days as delegates from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Tanzania join B2B matchmaking sessions and sectoral discussions.
Organisers say the PATDC and Made in Pakistan Exhibition will combine high-level policy discussion with practical B2B engagement to catalyse new trade and investment opportunities. By positioning Pakistani exporters alongside regional buyers and policymakers, the event aims to turn dialogue into contracts and strengthen Pakistan Africa Trade for shared economic benefit.
