ADDIS ABABA– Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) said that the current nationwide economic and political reforms have fostered opportunities for the business community and enabled private companies benefiting from regional and international trade integration.
Opening a three-day and 3rd Ethiopia International Trade Exhibition at the Millennium Hall yesterday, MOTI State Minister Yohanes Dinkayehu said that the government of Ethiopia is now demonstrating its commitment to regional and international trade integration by signing various agreements and is pushing for the accession of World Trade Organization.
The state minister noted that the House of Peoples’ Representatives unanimously ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement that has paved the way for local companies meaningfully engaged in intra-African trade.
The government recognizes the private sector’s pivotal role in changing the narrative of Ethiopian economy and put the necessary effort to enable the business community proactively involve in the home-grown economic policy, Yohanes added.
Taking in to account the significant role both local and foreign companies have been playing in enhancing and alleviating the existing rampant unemployment, the private sector should receive genuine and adequate support from the government that eventually creates more jobs for the ever-expanding youth.
He stated that the government also recognizes the significance of trade and investment promotional events in promoting products and services of participants and creating appropriate venue for business to business linkage between local and foreign companies.
The events also avail the opportunity to facilitating knowledge and technology transfer and promoting Ethiopia as a suitable investment destination.
According to Yohanes, the Ethiopia International Trade Exhibition would open and foster opportunities for local manufacturers and traders to enter into joint venture business with internationally known companies.
The exhibition will also create a space for promoting business activities with a view to becoming a competitive firm in the world at micro and macro levels.
Growing every year, the event is showcasing products and machinery in building and construction, automotive and spare parts, power and energy, solar, food, plastic, printing, medical and consumer industry thereby giving exhibitors an excellent opportunity to explore trade links in Ethiopia and beyond.
The Government of Ethiopia has always been considering the trade exhibition organizers as its strategic partners in its endeavors to enhancing the competitiveness of Ethiopian firms.
“From time to time, the number of exhibitors particularly the international exhibitors have been steadily growing, connecting the global business people with their Ethiopian counterpart.”
The 3rd Ethiopia International Trade Exhibition is being hosted by Expogroup Dubai and exhibitors from 40 countries are taking part in the event.
The Ethiopian Herald February 25/2020
BY BILAL DERSO
