ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia’s recently inaugurated convention center boasts of being a catalyst for economic growth by creating new business opportunities and serving as a platform for local and global industries.
Addis International Convention Center (AICC) General Manager, Sisay Gemechu, told The Ethiopian Herald that the center will boost economic activity, attract global events, and create new business opportunities and a platform for giant companies.
Sisay added that the center is also a focal point for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, which is poised to play a pivotal role in securing international conferences and exhibitions. By attracting worldwide guests, the center will not only drive tourism but also serve as a platform for local industries to showcase their unique products and services.
AICC is set to harness the full potential of its expansive grounds to boost economic activity, attract global attention, and realize an ambitious plan to maximize both the interior and surrounding land, turning them into opportunities and paving the way for significant economic expansion, he stated.
The center is equipped with eight strategically located gates to facilitate better access during events. The AICC is designed to host a plethora of activities, ranging from heavy machinery exhibitions to outdoor performances and concerts. It is equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems and staging facilities, all while ensuring that innovation and creativity thrive, he remarked.
“We are striving to link Ethiopia with the global community, fostering a rich exchange of ideas, innovations, and professional collaborations,” Sisay added.
Currently, the convention center provides jobs for about 1,000 individuals, significantly contributing to the local economy, he noted.
“We are fully equipped to handle accommodation, transportation, parking, and all necessary utilities to ensure smooth operations during events,” Sisay stated.
The establishment of the AICC aims to enhance collaboration between the government and private sectors, stimulating the participation of the business community in national economic growth, according to him.
The center also seeks to elevate Ethiopia’s international economic competitiveness, attract foreign direct investment, and facilitate unique conferences that cater to both domestic and international stakeholders, he noted.
He further stated that AICC stands as a modern and vibrant hub for businesses, conferences, and exhibitions in Ethiopia, setting the stage for transformative economic growth and solidifying the nation’s position in the global arena.
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 11 MARCH
