Pakistan to Sign Visa-Free Agreement With Another Country

Pakistan and Ethiopia have discussed a potential visa exemption agreement aimed at bolstering bilateral relations, according to a recent meeting between the Federal Commerce Minister and the Ethiopian Ambassador. The proposed exemption would be applicable solely to diplomatic and official passport holders, distinct from those with regular passports.

The meeting, attended by key officials including Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul and Rana Ihsan Afzal, also addressed challenges faced by Pakistani pharmaceutical companies seeking to export to Ethiopia. Ethiopian Ambassador Oumer Hussein Oba informed his Pakistani counterparts that relevant authorities have assured them that pending registration cases would be resolved.

Commerce Secretary Paul stressed the importance of an Ethiopian technical team visiting Pakistan to assess the pharmaceutical sector. Both nations pledged to collaborate in eliminating trade barriers, enhancing ties, and maintaining regular communication between pertinent institutions. The discussion also touched upon Ethiopia's application for membership in the World Trade Organization.