Ethiopia: Pakistan's Growing Interest in Ethiopia

The Reporter (Addis Ababa)

April 15, 2006
Posted to the web April 16, 2006

Kaleyesus Bekele


Seven years ago there was not a single Pakistani company working in Ethiopia. "When I came to Ethiopia in 1998 I could not find any Pakistani investor or company," says Mr. Hameed A. Kidwai, roving ambassador to sub-Saharan Africa. Bilateral trade relation between the two countries was non existent.

Mr. Kidwai and Dr. Safdar A. Sohail, commercial counselor at the High Commission for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, who is based in Nairobi have been trying to bring Pakistani investors to Ethiopia. "We were trying hard to bring a real Pakistani businessman," says Sohail. Mr. Sohail said that Ethiopia was the most elusive country. However, he said five years ago things began to change.

Three years ago a Pakistani company signed a management contract agreement with EFFORT to administer the Messobe Cement Factory in Tigray. "That was the first project in Ethiopia that fell in the hands of our professionals," Mr. Kidwai said. Later on Pakistani firms took over the management of other three companies under EFFORT.

Sibhat Nega, board chairman of EFFORT and a senior TPLF official, is the technocrat in the series of negotiations held between EFFORT and the Pakistanis. Sibhat and Mr. Kidwai played a leading role in bringing expertise and foreign direct investment from Pakistan.

The Pakistanis did not limit their activities in Ethiopia with the management contracts signed with EFFORT. More companies are coming from Pakistan and they are investing in textile, pharmaceuticals and in other sectors. At present there are 20 Pakistani companies in Ethiopia and their investment capital reached 300 million dollars. The bilateral trade relation that started from scratch thrived to almost 11 million dollars. Surprisingly, the trade balance between the two countries is infavour of Ethiopia. Ethiopia's annual export to Pakistan is seven million dollars while Pakistan's export to Ethiopia is about four million. Ethiopia exports cotton, skins and hides and other agricultural products. "Ethiopia could increase its export volume to Pakistan. For the first time we started to import tea from Ethiopia. It could export more coffee and tea to Pakistan," says Mr. Kidwai.

Ethiopia imports fabrics, garments, equipment and other industrial products to Ethiopia. Mr. Kidwai said that his country manufactures aircraft, tractors, different machineries that could be used in modern farming. "He said the price of the tractors and machineries were cheaper when compared to the price of tractors and machineries manufactured by other countries." I wonder why Ethiopia doesn't buy our tractors. Our price is less by 50 percent than the price that other countries offer," he said.

Mr. Kidwai who last week came to Addis Ababa for a working visit met Addisu Legesse, deputy prime minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, officials of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Sibhat Nega and other senior government officials. In a meeting held at the Hilton Hotel last Saturday Mr. Kidwai conferred with Pakistani investors working in Ethiopia. Sibhat Nega and Getachew Belay, chief executive officer of EFFORT, attended the meeting.

Mr. Kidwai applauded the Pakistani managers who are leading the management of some of the subsidiary companies of EFFORT for their accomplishment. He told his countrymen that they should not fail in their business mission in Ethiopia, adding that he was always ready to listen to any problem they were facing. "I assure you that we will solve any problem you may face. But you must bring your complaints to our attention. And we will be there to help you. What you have to always bear in mind that you should not fail," he added.

The only problem raised by the investors was the bureaucracy in obtaining entry visa. Some of the investors who established different factories in Ethiopia said that it took them a prolonged time to get a visa for experts coming from Pakistan. "Sometimes we spend 20 to 30 days in dealing with a visa issue. And the delay cost us darely," they lamented. The investors said that Ethiopia was a resourceful country adding that there were many business opportunities. However, they said the business community in Pakistan was unaware of the business opportunities available in Ethiopia. The investors suggested that the Pakistani ambassadors should promote Ethiopia in Pakistan. They also said that Pakistani investors could look in to the mineral resources in Ethiopia.

Mr. Kidwai said that he had already discussed issues related to visa. He said Pakistanis coming to Ethiopia for a business mission could get visas upon their arrival in Addis Ababa. "Whenever you face a problem in obtaining a visa, inform us immediately," he added. Mr. Kidwai said the Ethiopian chamber of commerce was the most inefficient chamber. "We informed the chamber a trade fair to be organized in Pakistan and asked them to send us the list of Ethiopian investors who are interested in participating in the fair. But officials of the chamber did not respond to our invitation. I decided to take ten Ethiopian business people to the trade fair. We will cover their travel and accommodation expenses," Mr. Kidwai said. He further said that he had a firm commitment to promote Ethiopia in Pakistan.

Mr. Kidwai said that a Pakistani delegation comprising representative of mining companies will soon come to Addis Ababa to see the mineral resources in Ethiopia. The delegation will hold a discussions with officials of the Ministry of Mines and Energy. The Pakistani Minister of Foreign of Foreign Affairs will visit Ethiopia next month. The government of Pakistan anticipates to open an embassy in Addis Ababa. At present Pakistan has eleven embassies in Africa.

Sibhat admired the Pakistani's commitment to promote bilateral trade and diplomatic relations with Ethiopia. He said Pakistan's decision to establish relation with Africa was a right decision. "The amount of trade volume doesn't matter. The most important thing is to start the bilateral trade relation. The current relation is a basis for the future. It will be used as a build block," Sibhat said.
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Excellent to see these two nations and africa as a whole trading with each other. this is the way forward! :)

Ethopia has been doing well lately (dispite border clashes with its neigbour) And is growing at about 7% a year. Hopefuly Ethopia will be able to take its proper status since it's Africas second largest Nation.

We need to make the exports in our favor!

We need to make the exports in our favor!


Classical economic conservatism based on mercantalistic trade policies...

You don't need a Trade surplus with a specific nation to have your citizens better off..

very interesting.

Classical economic conservatism based on mercantalistic trade policies...

You don't need a Trade surplus with a specific nation to have your citizens better off..
No, thats a bad economic policy!

I think only in the best intrests of my country. If we export more that means Pakistan is increasing the amount of products it makes and the economy as a whole will grow. If we import more we will lose jobs and money. That too from a nation like Ethopia! :sleepy:

Depends what you are importing / exporting!

No, thats a bad economic policy!

I think only in the best intrests of my country. If we export more that means Pakistan is increasing the amount of products it makes and the economy as a whole will grow. If we import more we will lose jobs and money. That too from a nation like Ethopia! :sleepy:

Trust me...unless things change, Pakistan will probably see a trade surplus with Ethiopia, but it is better to have equal parity with your trade partner. It would be like cheating Ethiopia if they had to buy more from you than vice-versa.

Anyways, thats good news...not only for Ethiopia.

If Somalia gets it's act together (and end this endless war bullsh*t) it could benefit from this trade. Ethiopia is landlocked, and Somalia has the longest shoreline in Africa, they could use our ports to export goods instead of using little Djibouti...

jup the african horn has the potential but not the situation...

No, thats a bad economic policy!

That too from a nation like Ethopia! :sleepy:

So are you here to celebrate this trade relation or look down upon Ethiopia?

So are you here to celebrate this trade relation or look down upon Ethiopia?
clearly he sees ethiopia and it's people as inferior to pakistan and it's people. many non-africans have that mindset.

..but these mindsets will change in the coming years with more african oil producing nations getting richer and richer

if Zimbabwe and Côte d´ivoire could only one day join the race again and dump their silly dictators who shamelessly ruined those two beautiful countries..Africa is ready for take off

Giant of Africa: South africa

new rising African giants: Nigeria and Angola

middle "powers": Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, Mozambique (?)

ruined former african stars (relatively undestroyed infrastructure in place): Côte d´ivoire and Zimbabwe

small well established countries, economically: Botswana, Gabon, Namibia, Mauritius, Equatorial Guinea, Cap Verde, Seychelles

sleeping giants: Republic of Congo and Sudan

if these countries rise and stabilize, it will drag along the entire continent and people will stop to look down on Africa :)

jup the african horn has the potential but not the situation...

It does really...:ohno: It disturbs me to see that region contiuously fall behind the rest of the world..and other regions of Africa...

UnitedPakistan, you don't need to have a trade surplus with other countries for your economy to grow. Look at the US, which has some severe trade deficits, our economy grows faster (except China) than the countries that we have the deficits with.

Besides, Ethiopia is a MINOR player in the global economic market. If Pakistan does have a trade deficit with Ethiopia. It wouldn't make much of a difference.

..but these mindsets will change in the coming years with more african oil producing nations getting richer and richer.....

perhaps, but remember some people will never change, they may become less open but they won't change. but i wonder about pakistanis, i had a coworker once with a similar mentality.

..but these mindsets will change in the coming years with more african oil producing nations getting richer and richer

if Zimbabwe and Côte d´ivoire could only one day join the race again and dump their silly dictators who shamelessly ruined those two beautiful countries..Africa is ready for take off

Giant of Africa: South africa

new rising African giants: Nigeria and Angola

middle "powers": Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, Mozambique (?)

ruined former african stars (relatively undestroyed infrastructure in place): Côte d´ivoire and Zimbabwe

small well established countries, economically: Botswana, Gabon, Namibia, Mauritius, Equatorial Guinea, Cap Verde, Seychelles

sleeping giants: Republic of Congo and Sudan

if these countries rise and stabilize, it will drag along the entire continent and people will stop to look down on Africa :)


When Somalia becomes better (it's less if, and more WHEN), I can see it as "middle power". As for Congo, yeah, that is a sleeping GIANT.

You can add Ethiopia to that list of sleeping giants.

Somalia would do better if the tribal BS got dealt with, i mean even in the west different "clangs" dont want to party or anything with one a nother. Why is somali land doing so good? because they have a system hopefully the rest of somalia will learn fast.

Somaliland is doing good because, for the lack of a better word, it is not diverse. Almost everyone is the same clan. And they have peace...which breeds success.

The southern part, is much more diverse, so that builds up rivalry, the land is much more fertile also. So there is no peace, but when it comes, it will takeoff.

This war is BS for sure, I would like to not be dead at 70 and see it still like this.

I fear that may happen...the "leaders" are too selfish and hard-headed, and the people are too weak and follow them like sheep.

Ethiopia may appear to be stable but it is not. 90% of the people want to form their own smaller countries and there are several resistance groups operating in the country.

And Rotten, the Somali/Ethiopian relationship is like the Pakistan/India or Arab/Israeli one. Most Somalis would not like the idea of Ethiopia using their ports

Why doesnt Djibouti get back into somalia again?

Because Djbouti was in a tug of war between Somalia, Ethiopia, and France for a while. Both Somalia and Ethiopia claimed Djbouti and tried to annex it but they both failed in the end. There was a vote in Djbouti after independence and over 90% voted to remain their own country. It has become important to Ethiopia again now that Eritrea broke away and wont let them use their ports.

perhaps, but remember some people will never change, they may become less open but they won't change. but i wonder about pakistanis, i had a coworker once with a similar mentality.

what are you trying to get at?

Because Djbouti was in a tug of war between Somalia, Ethiopia, and France for a while. Both Somalia and Ethiopia claimed Djbouti and tried to annex it but they both failed in the end. There was a vote in Djbouti after independence and over 90% voted to remain their own country. It has become important to Ethiopia again now that Eritrea broke away and wont let them use their ports.

And i thought my country had problems. Why is there so much hate and problem in the horn of africa because i get the impression there is no need for al of the wars in this area. Why cant Ethiopia Somalia, Djibuti and Eritrea live side by side?

Tribal issues!

Part of the problem actually comes from the europeans themselves. Them and their habit of pencil drawing borders of countries without any regard to realities. It could also be that the europeans knew that these countries would fight and will turn to other countries for better weapons (and guess what who had the best tech back then???).

Jubba, from an economic standpoint, letting Ethiopia use our ports are a win-win situation. We have the longest coastline, and Ethiopia is landlocked. We could collect taxes from the exports, and they can use other areas since Eritrea won't let them use their ports, and all they have is that port in Djibouti. Or do you want that status-quo? ;)

The Ethiopia/Somalia issue is because they took Somali land in the west, and still have it. The land in Kenya with over 1 million of us is also taken, and Djibouti (which is majority Somali) doesn't want to be part of us.

Who do I blame for all of this, not the people of the Horn, but the Colonial powers. The British took the North and the Somali areas of Kenya, the Italians took the Southern part, and the French took what is now Djibouti...this divide and conquer ideology still haunts us today...

what are you trying to get at?
what part didn't you get? the 1st sentance or the second? or both?

mmm interesting

what part didn't you get? the 1st sentance or the second? or both?
dont get cocky now

dont get cocky now
i knew i was going to get misunderstood. now i have to explain everything.

let's see, i said: "perhaps, but remember some people will never change, they may become less open but they won't change. but i wonder about pakistanis, i had a coworker once with a similar mentality."

1. many people are set in their ways, they don't like jews or blacks or whatever. that's how they were raised and that's how they'll die. now it may become socialy unexceptable to express such views so they'll only talk about those views among like minded people.

2. my experience with pakistanis is very limited but some of the pakistanis that i have come across look down on black people. this makes me wonder if that can be said generally about pakistanis or if it is simply a coincidence that the type of people i have encountered feel that way.

so no i wasn't getting cocky.

i knew i was going to get misunderstood. now i have to explain everything.

let's see, i said: "perhaps, but remember some people will never change, they may become less open but they won't change. but i wonder about pakistanis, i had a coworker once with a similar mentality."

1. many people are set in their ways, they don't like jews or blacks or whatever. that's how they were raised and that's how they'll die. now it may become socialy unexceptable to express such views so they'll only talk about those views among like minded people.

2. my experience with pakistanis is very limited but some of the pakistanis that i have come across look down on black people. this makes me wonder if that can be said generally about pakistanis or if it is simply a coincidence that the type of people i have encountered feel that way.

so no i wasn't getting cocky.

ok kuul dude i just misunderstood u and i admit u werent being cocky.
its unfortunate that youve come across those kind of pakistanis but let me tell you that pakistanis also come in different colours aswell from black to "white" so in reality we have no reason to look down on africans based on their skin colour.

oh yeah...sorry for cussing you on a different section :jk: ...ive removed it now..no hard feelings :hug: lol

ok kuul dude i just misunderstood u and i admit u werent being cocky.
its unfortunate that youve come across those kind of pakistanis but let me tell you that pakistanis also come in different colours aswell from black to "white" so in reality we have no reason to look down on africans based on their skin colour.

oh yeah...sorry for cussing you on a different section :jk: ...ive removed it now..no hard feelings :hug: lol

did i piss you off that much? i'm curious as to what you said (but even more how my name came up), funny but i never thought of myself as that important/significant :)

yah, i know about the different color thing. alot of peoples around the world are like that, like mine ;) and really i never/don't thought/think that it was a color issue. in my country racism often has nothing to do with the "victims' " skin color.

one more thing my head is swelling to gigantic proportions right now!

man this united pakistan guy is a moderator? he is such a racist

Why doesnt Djibouti get back into somalia again?
why would you want djibouti to get back to somalia. thats like the best name any country can have, ja-booty. thats just gold, i wish my countries name was jabooty

i knew i was going to get misunderstood. now i have to explain everything.

let's see, i said: "perhaps, but remember some people will never change, they may become less open but they won't change. but i wonder about pakistanis, i had a coworker once with a similar mentality."

1. many people are set in their ways, they don't like jews or blacks or whatever. that's how they were raised and that's how they'll die. now it may become socialy unexceptable to express such views so they'll only talk about those views among like minded people.

2. my experience with pakistanis is very limited but some of the pakistanis that i have come across look down on black people. this makes me wonder if that can be said generally about pakistanis or if it is simply a coincidence that the type of people i have encountered feel that way.

so no i wasn't getting cocky.

If that's how they think, then I say FUCK PAKISTAN! Especially coming from Pakistan of all places. They have no right to look down on anyone. I used to feel sorry for them, but now I am glad their country sucks.

If that's how they think, then I say FUCK PAKISTAN! Especially coming from Pakistan of all places. They have no right to look down on anyone. I used to feel sorry for them, but now I am glad their country sucks.

don't you sink to his level.

Fuck Pakistan

did i piss you off that much? i'm curious as to what you said (but even more how my name came up), funny but i never thought of myself as that important/significant :)

yah, i know about the different color thing. alot of peoples around the world are like that, like mine ;) and really i never/don't thought/think that it was a color issue. in my country racism often has nothing to do with the "victims' " skin color.

one more thing my head is swelling to gigantic proportions right now!

no dude u didnt piss me off. lol u just post relevant stuff concerning pakistan on a section there and i thought some people here were "bitching" :lmao:
btw...everyone has their 15 minutes of fame/importance...uve just had urs so i hope u made the most of it. :)

no comment

Ethiopia: Country Plans for Double-Digit Growth

Business in Africa (Johannesburg)

May 4, 2006
Addis Ababa

Ethiopia has been pulling out all the stops in an attempt to increase average annual growth into double-digits and this is reflected in plans to increase exports by 25 percent annually.

Trade and Industry Minister Girma Birru said that plans were underway to increase the country's exports by 20 to 25 percent per year.

The plan includes the setting up of almost 200 textile factories and 74 shoe factories during the next five years. The country hopes to earn $500mn in exports once all the factories have been built.

Ethiopia is also looking at increasing cement production by almost 300 percent during the same period. The trade minister did not say whether this was meant specifically for export purposes or to help sustain the proposed building boom.

While plans for growth are appealing, Ethiopia must make sure that growth is sustainable and controlled. Although the country has registered an impressive average of seven percent growth over the last three years, the ride has not been smooth at all.

How the hell was I being racist?

Ethopia is a very under developed nation and that is a fact. End of STORY!

I do find it funny that people are so emotional that they have to turn the race card. Yes, we have African-Pakistanis in Pakistan. They now reside on the Makran Coast. So do not label me or my countrymen something they are not using your broad logic.


If that's how they think, then I say FUCK PAKISTAN! Especially coming from Pakistan of all places. They have no right to look down on anyone. I used to feel sorry for them, but now I am glad their country sucks.
I am sure you feel sorry for the nation thats economy has improved so dramatically that the stock market climbed from 800 to 12,000 or the country who had 8.3% growth and positive growth throughout its entire history. Yeah, I sure do feel sorry for this growing economic power. :sleepy:

Besides, Ethiopia is a MINOR player in the global economic market. If Pakistan does have a trade deficit with Ethiopia. It wouldn't make much of a difference.
They maybe a minor player but we have to start cutting our losses and the trade deficit we have with the world.

clearly he sees ethiopia and it's people as inferior to pakistan and it's people. many non-africans have that mindset.

Ya that is a bad racist mindset :ohno:.

Ya that is a bad racist mindset :ohno:.
Were you unable to read my post above yours? :sleepy:

Were you unable to read my post above yours? :sleepy:


I was replying to him :sleepy:. I was talking abt a general racist attitude.If you don't get it, too bad.

I am sure you feel sorry for the nation thats economy has improved so dramatically that the stock market climbed from 800 to 12,000 or the country who had 8.3% growth and positive growth throughout its entire history. Yeah, I sure do feel sorry for this growing economic power. :sleepy:




So, you are still India's bitch, and we don't like people with arrogant attitudes coming into our country.

A seemingly positive article turned sour by those who cant control themselves. Anyway it was good while it lasted.
Moderator please work your magic... :lock:

Arrogant attitudes destroy all relationships.

No, thats a bad economic policy!

I think only in the best intrests of my country. If we export more that means Pakistan is increasing the amount of products it makes and the economy as a whole will grow. If we import more we will lose jobs and money. That too from a nation like Ethopia! :sleepy:

since you weren't being racist what did you mean by that last sentance? that is why everyone has been up in arms. and you mean to say that just because you have black people in your country neither you nor any of your countrymen could ever be, or make a racist comment?
maybe you aren't one, i don't know, but clearly you do look down on ethiopia(ns) and what ever that reason is you are wrong for doing so.

So, you are still India's bitch, and we don't like people with arrogant attitudes coming into our country.
This is a very typical insult that we receive. We generally have learned not to respond to such insults BUT I will make you the exception. Such posting is not counstructive and against the rules. Not only does it make you look like a dumbass but it also degrades the quality of the forum. Stop being emotional and shutup.

With that said I would like to continue the topic...

What the heck does Ethopia export? :)

Can someone enlightened respond?

but clearly you do look down on ethiopia(ns) and what ever that reason is you are wrong for doing so.

Ethopia is not in better shape than Pakistan and since we are in a better shape and NOT landlocked it is sad to see that Pakistan is not exporting more than we are importing to Ethopia. I hope that clears it up and ends the offtopic discussion.

...
What the heck does Ethopia export? :)

Can someone enlightened respond?

from CIA World Factbook: coffee, qat, gold, leather products, live animals, oilseeds

Ethopia is not in better shape than Pakistan and since we are in a better shape and NOT landlocked it is sad to see that Pakistan is not exporting more than we are importing to Ethopia. I hope that clears it up and ends the offtopic discussion.

you most be kidding right? oh wait, i think i get it. poorer landlocked countries have to be at a trade disadvantage to wealthier maritime countries, if they're not then that is sad and pathetic.
i guess now i can look down on pakistan because your poorer and less developed than the u.s. :nuts:

you most be kidding right? oh wait, i think i get it. poorer landlocked countries have to be at a trade disadvantage to wealthier maritime countries, if they're not then that is sad and pathetic.
i guess now i can look down on pakistan because your poorer and less developed than the u.s.
They should trade equally ....

But you can continue to go ranting just because I believe being at a trade disadvantage with a landlocked less developed country is bad. It is my opinion and you can make your assumptions out of it! Some people just get too emotional...

They should trade equally ....

But you can continue to go ranting just because I believe being at a trade disadvantage with a landlocked less developed country is bad. It is my opinion and you can make your assumptions out of it! Some people just get too emotional...

i'm not the one getting emotional.

Pakistan doesn't have the history and walls around it that a lot of african nations have and that prevented poverty from decreasing.

UnitedPakistan, how would you feel if in a french-pakistan economy thread I said something like "shit, why are we even loosing our time trading with a nation like Pakistan", well this is exactly what you are doing, france in richer than Pakistan because of specific historical and geopolitical reasons, Pakistan has a bigger middle class (but is still shit poor) then Ethiopia because of historical and geopolitical reasons, which Ethiopians should neither be proud or ashamed of, period.

Pakistan doesn't have the history and walls around it that a lot of african nations have and that prevented poverty from decreasing.

UnitedPakistan, how would you feel if in a french-pakistan economy thread I said something like "shit, why are we even loosing our time trading with a nation like Pakistan", well this is exactly what you are doing, france in richer than Pakistan because because of specific historical and geopolitical reasons, Pakistan has a bigger middle class (but is still shit poor) then Ethiopia because of historical and geopolitical reasons, which Ethipians should neither be proud or ashamed of, period.

thank you

UnitedPakistan, how would you feel if in a french-pakistan economy thread I said something like "shit, why are we even loosing our time trading with a nation like Pakistan", well this is exactly what you are doing, france in richer than Pakistan because of specific historical and geopolitical reasons, Pakistan has a bigger middle class (but is still shit poor) then Ethiopia because of historical and geopolitical reasons, which Ethiopians should neither be proud or ashamed of, period.
You simply do not understand!

I never said that we are wasting our time or anything of that sort. I was just saying the trade should be equal.

You simply do not understand!

I never said that we are wasting our time or anything of that sort. I was just saying the trade should be equal.

i seriously doubt you'ld be screaming for trade equality if pakistan had a trade surplus over the u.s or e.u. but what difference does it make when they both benefit? it's not as if the trade surplus is so great that in 10 years pakistanis would be languishing starving and in dispare while ethiopians rich and fat.

i seriously doubt you'ld be screaming for trade equality if pakistan had a trade surplus over the u.s or e.u. but what difference does it make when they both benefit? it's not as if the trade surplus is so great that in 10 years pakistanis would be languishing starving and in dispare while ethiopians rich and fat.
Well Pakistan is not benefiting through trade with about a 4 billion deficit. So my concerns are legitimate.

do you even understand how economy works? pakistan is importing more from ethopia because the goods are cheaper to buy from there then most other countries and because ethiopias currency is weak, pakistan is exporting less to ethopia because of there weak currency and low buying power, which is a smart move. if the trade was equal between pakistan and ethiopia pakistan overall would have been going in loss.

do you even understand how economy works? pakistan is importing more from ethopia because the goods are cheaper to buy from there then most other countries and because ethiopias currency is weak, pakistan is exporting less to ethopia because of there weak currency and low buying power, which is a smart move. if the trade was equal between pakistan and ethiopia pakistan overall would have been going in loss.
Alright Mr. I know it all why dont you tell us the benefits of this relationship... :sleepy:

unitedpakistan calls others not to be emotional, but he becomes very emotional, and the worst part is, he does not even accept constructive criticism let alone criticism (he simply deletes our post).

unitedpakistan calls others not to be emotional, but he becomes very emotional, and the worst part is, he does not even accept constructive criticism let alone criticism (he simply deletes our post).

at least he's not a racist

r u calling me racist ????? what did i say wrong ?????

^ duno i guess he hates you or loves you like a gay lover

i am 120% straight :)

i hate nobody peace brother man !!!!!!!!!!!

Alright Mr. I know it all why dont you tell us the benefits of this relationship... :sleepy:


the benifit is that pakistan is saving money by buying from ethiopia instead of buying the same goods from some other expensive country, why are you not understanding simple economics :bash:

i am 120% straight :)

i hate nobody peace brother man !!!!!!!!!!!

but apprantly some one hates you :bash:

ok i got it enough of hammering .

ok i got it enough of hammering .

you got what :bash:

unitedpakistan calls others not to be emotional, but he becomes very emotional, and the worst part is, he does not even accept constructive criticism let alone criticism (he simply deletes our post).
Where have I become emotional?

And where did I delete a post?

the benifit is that pakistan is saving money by buying from ethiopia instead of buying the same goods from some other expensive country, why are you not understanding simple economics :bash:
So then the local industries are at risk right? Because Pakistan can not produce the cheap goods so the local industries will suffer!

mohammed, UAE...what the heck are you two ranting on about?

r u calling me racist ????? what did i say wrong ?????

:hahaha: :hahaha: :hahaha: ...wait, your serious aren't you? i wasn't calling anyone a racist, which is what EVERYONE had thought UnitedPakistan was. now we know better, - but is it really better that he's being so dense?

OK...anyways...yeah...

Is this thread about Pakistan's growing interest in Ethiopia anymore???

So then the local industries are at risk right? Because Pakistan can not produce the cheap goods so the local industries will suffer!

UP, the local industries that produce the goods that are imported at a cheaper price from another nation may be at a disadvantage, but then if the goods aren't cheap themselves, then the consumer class itself is disadvantaged.

So either the consumers continue to pay the high prices, and they stay high to protect those industries, or the government decides to import them and thus bring the prices down. If you look at it from a utilitarian view, lower prices would mean more people would get to benefit from it.

As for the local industries, if they don't do anything about it, they will perish, but as is the case in many countries, they are forced to invest in their human resources and development of new technologies which make them leaner and more competitive.

well, at least that is how globalization is ideally supposed to work!

i dont know man ,UAE is just looking for a cyber fight ..

pakistani folk got a tendancy to become emotional alot

Not long ago I saw a TV report made by the Beijing TV. They visited a aeroplane maintenance factory in Ethiopia, and was told that Ethiopia now have 60% of the aeroplane maintenance job of the whole Africa (OMG). The factory is vast neat and tidy and the young black technicans working on the aeroplanes. It really surprised me as in my previous image of that country from magazines like the Times, that country was always connected with famine, it is hard to connected it with aeroplane industry. Hope some one here can keep the images of those countries constantly updated. :cheers:

i dont know man ,UAE is just looking for a cyber fight ..

wow i am looking for a fight? i think the fight was between you and your gay partner :bash:

pakistani folk got a tendancy to become emotional alot

i think the reason for that is that most of these people are coming from some nationalistic pakistani military forum, thats why they get so emotional when some one even disagrees a little with them. i am sure average pakistanis dont get pissed of so easily

^^
Ok.. if those guys are coming from military forum, then when exactly are you coming from?
you look the most pissed off in this thread!!!

all others, why not simply discuss matters in a more amicable manner? this thread has just heated up for no reason...lets keep it calm..plz

UAE cut the BS out or you will be taken care of!

..but these mindsets will change in the coming years with more african oil producing nations getting richer and richer

if Zimbabwe and Côte d´ivoire could only one day join the race again and dump their silly dictators who shamelessly ruined those two beautiful countries..Africa is ready for take off

Giant of Africa: South africa

new rising African giants: Nigeria and Angola

middle "powers": Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, Mozambique (?)

ruined former african stars (relatively undestroyed infrastructure in place): Côte d´ivoire and Zimbabwe

small well established countries, economically: Botswana, Gabon, Namibia, Mauritius, Equatorial Guinea, Cap Verde, Seychelles

sleeping giants: Republic of Congo and Sudan

if these countries rise and stabilize, it will drag along the entire continent and people will stop to look down on Africa :)

Libya, Morocco and Egypt is the same league with South Africa

2. my experience with pakistanis is very limited but some of the pakistanis that i have come across look down on black people. this makes me wonder if that can be said generally about pakistanis or if it is simply a coincidence that the type of people i have encountered feel that way.
so no i wasn't getting cocky.

is it for real? Isnt it a fact that pakistani's color are also black or dark?

I am sure you feel sorry for the nation thats economy has improved so dramatically that the stock market climbed from 800 to 12,000 or the country who had 8.3% growth and positive growth throughout its entire history. Yeah, I sure do feel sorry for this growing economic power. :sleepy:


wow, this one is a good news. the pakistan's stock exchange was one of the best performing stock exchange in the world in the previous years ;)

Yes, 2002 was a good year as well!

1965 was another great year

Well Pakistan is not benefiting through trade with about a 4 billion deficit. So my concerns are legitimate.

Ethiopia is poorer country compare to Pakistan so you cannot expect to have a trade surplus with Ethiopia. What pakistan needs to do is to increase the country's export to more developed countries so they can have a bigger trade surplus in order to counter the trade deficit with poorer countries. This is just my observation and analysis. Richer Countries have trade deficits with poorer countries while Poorer Countires have trade surpluses with richer countries. When I said Poorer and Richer it means the entire economy of the country and not the GNP/GDP per capita income ;)

So, you are still India's bitch, and we don't like people with arrogant attitudes coming into our country.

India and Pakistan has lots of differences but I dont think the Pakistan are bitchy with India. Both countries have high GDP growth rate, military power, economy is growing, middle class are growing etc. Base again on my observation, because of the competition of Pakistan and India they were able to pull up their economies to positive economic growth. The only problem with this two nation is their military conflict in kashmir.

uae what the heck r u talking man no one was fighting , may be u r on pot. dont just throw words like gay partner and things like that

^^
Ok.. if those guys are coming from military forum, then when exactly are you coming from?
you look the most pissed off in this thread!!!

all others, why not simply discuss matters in a more amicable manner? this thread has just heated up for no reason...lets keep it calm..plz

i am not pissed i am only joking

2. my experience with pakistanis is very limited but some of the pakistanis that i have come across look down on black people. this makes me wonder if that can be said generally about pakistanis or if it is simply a coincidence that the type of people i have encountered feel that way.
.

If you have more experience with pakistanis, you would definitely change your opinion!

I think africa is greatly misunderstood in the whole of asia. there is little contact between africans and asians, in general. And the only one we have is from media. For example, every other month there is a man( or woman) of african origin that is caught for drug trafficking. Moreover, international media is always reporting ethnic violence, poverty, etc about africa. There is virtually no mass contact.

things are worsened by the nowadays commong email scams from africa too. People dont realise that these are only a small community that exists in every nation. Unfortunately, for africa, it is this small community that is always projected. that makes people think the whole of africa is like this.

Personally, i am a pakistani who have lived in africa for 15 years. i have had contact will all sorts of persons, and i think africans are very simple, humble and peace loving people. I believe the average african is honest and friendly, because he leads a simple life. At the same time, the average pakistani wants to lead a cheerful life and doesnt look down at anyone, for color or race.

My father worked there as an education officer along with many other pakistanis who were called in during the 70's and 80's. All of us have very good memories of africa.

If you found someone looking down upon you, he/she probably is not a racist but is ignorant.

But my view is different because i have first hand experience, not media reports.

No bad feelings for anyone and love for all.

Wow, talk about things getting out of hand.

An overall trade deficit is a legit concern. Although, trade balances with individual contries are less important (but they're something to keep in mind for long-term planning). Anyway, it's good to see the Ethio-Pakistani trade getting off the ground. When peace comes to Somalia some of these Pakistani companies will be ready to move right in, and both countries will benefit.

:uh: As an Ethiopian I have heard some dubious things being said about my country. the one that takes the cake is that 90% of ethiopians want their own small countries. This is nonsence the rebels in ethiopia have little support and the great manority of our people do not want secession. The biggest rebel group the Oromo liberation front has 2,000 soldiers out of 40,000,000 people and has little support from the peole, same thing for the other rebels. :ohno: please dont speak spread misinformation about my country.

-somalians should worry about Somalland and unity and stop the madness of "greater Somalia:down: . Ogaden has never been a part of somali and has been a part of ethiopia since the 1890s, somalia didnt even exist until 1960. as for using somalias ports it would be unpopular and unnecessary. this is why the Eritrean agent meles zanawi should have never gave up the entire costline.:bash: It should have been "asab or no secession",

- Ethiopia is a very poor country and i dont take ahmeds comment as an
insult but as the truth. Pakistan is still poor but way better then Ethiopia.Ethopia has a GDP of 1,000 and Im sure that pakistan is much higher. it a nonissue with me.

- Who cares about other peoples opinions about Africa, lets worry about development and better cooperation.:lol:

-Ethiopias economy has been growing at 7-10% for the past 5 years but its mostly by a totalatarian government that owns all the land and businesses in the country. We have an illigitamate government that acts like a pariah.:ohno:

- Africa countries need as many different trading partners as possible. If we do not improve the trade agreements we have we will always be poor and the europeans will always get rich off our natural resources.