ADDIS ABABA- Ethiopian Airlines (ET) plans to launch direct flights to Lahore (LHE), strengthening connectivity between Pakistan and Ethiopia while enabling faster business and cultural exchange.
The proposed Addis Ababa (ADD) to Lahore route aims to boost trade efficiency, reduce transit dependency, and support deeper economic integration with African markets.
Ethiopian Airlines Launches Lahore Flights
Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Oumer Hussein Oba, confirmed that Ethiopian Airlines is planning direct flights to Lahore (LHE) to enhance business-to-business engagement, connectivity, and cultural exchange.
The repeated emphasis on this route highlights its strategic importance in bilateral relations.
Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan described recent engagements as a “fresh foundation” for building practical and results-oriented partnerships.
He stressed that both countries must move beyond dialogue and focus on measurable trade outcomes.
According to Profit Pakistan Today, this initiative reflects a broader push to integrate South Asia with African economies.
The Minister also proposed a multi-country business forum in Islamabad, inviting East African nations to explore Pakistan’s industrial capabilities.
This platform aims to expand engagement beyond Ethiopia and unlock access to wider African markets.
SME Strength and Industrial Export Potential
Pakistan’s small and medium enterprise sector plays a central role in its export economy. It produces:
- Home appliances
- Engineering goods
- Agricultural machinery
- Consumer products
The Commerce Minister highlighted strong collaboration opportunities in agriculture, engineering industries, and specifically tractor manufacturing.
Pakistan’s expertise in these sectors can support mechanisation and productivity growth across African economies.
Cosmetics Industry and Consumer Market Expansion
Pakistan’s cosmetics and personal care sector has recorded significant growth over the past 4 to 5 years. The government proposed joint ventures between Pakistani and Ethiopian companies in:
- Cosmetics
- Perfumes
- Personal care products
These partnerships aim to meet rising consumer demand and establish cross-border value chains in both regions.
Sialkot’s Export Model and Industrial Excellence
The Minister invited Ethiopian delegates to visit Sialkot, a globally recognised industrial hub. The city represents a successful model of private-sector-led development, supported by the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Sialkot specializes in:
- Sports goods
- Surgical instruments
- Leather products
- Footwear
Its exports reach billions of dollars annually, including strong access to the European Union market.
The business community also developed Sialkot International Airport (SKT), showcasing independent infrastructure development.
Trade Logistics and Cultural Exchange
The Commerce Minister emphasized reducing reliance on third-country transshipment hubs such as Jebel Ali Port. He proposed direct feeder vessel connections to African ports.
This approach can reduce transit times from 10–12 days to 2–3 days, significantly improving supply chain efficiency.
Karachi was highlighted as a strategic gateway for African exports to Central Asia through maritime routes, including Djibouti Port.
Both countries identified tourism as a high-growth sector. Ethiopia’s natural landscape and climate were described as “truly amazing,” while Pakistan was positioned as a “sleeping giant” in global tourism.
Ethiopia plans to host a Single Country Exhibition in Islamabad later this year, following a successful exhibition previously held in Ethiopia. This initiative aims to strengthen trade visibility and promote bilateral engagement.
Future Outlook
Ethiopia acknowledged Pakistan’s economic progress, skilled workforce, and strong hospitality sector. Dr Oba emphasized that human capital remains the most critical resource and called for deeper cooperation in education, skills development, and institutional collaboration.
Both countries agreed they are at a pivotal moment to expand cooperation across:
- Trade diversification
- Industrial development
- Agriculture and engineering
- Tourism promotion
They reaffirmed their commitment to building a long-term, quality-driven economic partnership supported by improved connectivity, including the planned Addis Ababa (ADD) to Lahore (LHE) route.
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