BY STAFF REPORTER
In recent weeks, Ethiopian communities and diplomatic missions were busy discharging the concerted national affair to aware the international community about the government’s campaign of rule of law enforcement. In addition to that Ethiopian missions and businesses in different countries are also striving to promote Ethiopia products and businesses in their respective areas of operation.
Ethiopian missions in Egypt and Uganda, among others have recently held discussions geared towards promoting investment and business opportunities in Ethiopia as well as Ethiopian industrial products that have a good potential in the markets of different countries.
Accordingly, Ethiopian-Egyptian Business Council (EEBC) virtual meeting held on Thursday in Cairo with a view to strengthening the trade and investment relations of the two countries, according to Ethiopian News Agency (ENA).
Ethiopian Government Officials and Business people from both countries have attended the meeting organized by the Ethiopian Embassy in Cairo.
In his opening speech at the occasion, Ethiopian Ambassador to Egypt, Markos Tekle emphasized on the need to enhance the trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
The ambassador expressed his conviction that an enhanced trade and investment could help develop trust and confidence among the people of the countries.
He also assured his determination to address the challenges that the business communities are facing.
The Managing Director of EEBC Eng. Ibrahim Qamar on his part highlighted the efforts made by the council in further cementing the trade and investment relationship between the two countries.
He also stated that the trade and investment potential of the two nations has not been fully exploited, and that there is a growing realization of the need to strengthen the relationship by pursuing a win-win approach.
The event entertained question and comments from the Egyptian Business Community in which they expressed the benefits of investment in Ethiopia, the existing trade relation as well as the challenges they are facing, it was indicated.
At the Event, Ethiopian Government Authorities from business sector addressed the major concerns, questions, and challenges raised by Egyptian business community.
Foreign Direct Investment Promotion Director at the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Aschalew Tadesse briefed participants about the new Ethiopian investment law. Trade opportunities that the two countries could exploit ware identified during the meeting.
Multilateral Trade Relations and Negotiation Director at the Ministry of Trade and Industry Mussie Mindaye made the remark on issues raised by Egyptian business community.
President of Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association, Eng. Melaku Ezezew deliberated on the trade opportunities in Ethiopia and Acting Director-General of Trade and Tourism Promotion at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lealem Tilahun has also explained trade opportunities that the two countries could exploit.
Currently, there are more than 70 licensed Egyptian investors in Ethiopia besides a strong trade relation that exists between the two countries, according to Ethiopian Embassy in Cairo.
In a related development Ethiopian Embassy in Uganda launched a virtual business forum to promote Ethiopia’s leather and leather products to the East African market, according to fanabc.com.
Ugandan, Burundian and Congolese diplomats along with business associations, investors, and media outlets took part in the business forum held under the theme, ‘Ethiopia: Africa’s Global Force in Leather Production.
Foreign Affairs State Minister, Tsion Teklu said on the occasion the leather industry is one of the priority sectors of the government of Ethiopia. She said the attractive Ethiopian government incentives and opportunities created by ACFTA (the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement) would benefit East African investors.
Ambassador of Ethiopia to Uganda, Alemtsehay Meseret, on her part, highlighted the benefits of joining the Ugandan market, which is part of regional frameworks as COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and South Africa) and EAC (the East African Community).
One of the co-organizers of the forum and Secretary-General of the Ethiopian Leather Industries Association, Daniel Getachew, has also tabled a presentation on leather and leather products manufactured in Ethiopia.
Ethiopian Airlines Area Manager in Uganda, Aziza Mohammed also briefed cargo and logistics services available at the airline.
Anne Nabaasa, Head of Commercial Diplomacy, Economic and Financial Matters at Ugandan Embassy in Ethiopia underlined the importance of the forum and vowed to support similar initiatives.
Some members of the Ethiopian Leather Industries Association, including Natural footwear studio, Ker EZHI Ethiopia – Leather Manufacturing, Green Ethiopia leather, MuzzBig leather, and Lomi leather handcrafts have used the opportunity to promote their products.
The Ethiopian herald December 22/2020
