ADDIS ABABA- Ethiopia is keen on Qatari companies to engage in the lucrative agriculture and agro-processing investments capitalized on geographic proximity and abundant potentials, Ethiopia’s Deputy Chief of Mission to Qatar said.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, the Deputy Chief of Mission Feisel Aliyi said that the Ethiopian Embassy in Doha is meticulously encouraging Qatari investors to invest in Ethiopia’s rapidly growing economy, particularly in the large-scale agriculture and agro-processing activities.
Due to its unfavorable climatic conditions and low water supply, Qatar is among the world’s leading food importers. Ethiopia, on the other hand, owns highly fertile soil, amenable climate towards the cultivation of diverse range of crops and comparatively abundance of water supply which all are crucial to Qatar’s priority agricultural investment.
Feisel noted that Ethiopia’s diplomatic mission briefs potential Qatari stakeholders about the government’s engagement in the construction of massive infrastructural projects and the country’s conducive business climate that have lured the attention of international agricultural investors.
The Deputy Chief further stated that the Embassy is partnering with relevant bodies to seek ways that increase both the quantity and quality of the trade exchange of the two countries and encouraged the private sector to get involved in various economic sectors.
Consultations are underway with Qatari investors to identify ways in which they will support Ethiopia’s mega projects as well as invest in sugar plants, power and light railway. Due to consolidated efforts, there is also a growing interest of Qatari companies to take part in petrochemicals, energy and mining sectors.
“Because of its geographical proximity to Qatar, Ethiopia would work to make the former a destination of its exports,” Feisel said, adding that delegations of the two countries are frequently discussing on ways to create a favorable climate for Qatari businesses.
Taking in to account the pivotal role it would play to attract more Qatari investment to Ethiopia, the two countries are working to reach the final deal in the proposed Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement.
The Deputy Chief said that a globally-renowned Qatari company, Ezdan Holding Group, has expressed its interest to participate in the construction of mixed-use buildings in Addis Ababa and held discussions with Ethiopia’s high-ranking officials on ways to implement the project. Ezdan, one of the world’s largest real estate companies, has also a plan to invest in Ethiopia’s health sector.
Feisel stated that Ethiopia has given special attention to attracting Middle East investment and expressed the government’s commitment to support Qatari companies in their pursuit of doing business Ethiopia.
Ethio-Qatar relations have shown progress since the resumption of diplomatic ties in 2012 which was manifested by high-level visits of officials of the respective countries, signing various agreements as well as a tour of cultural troupe, and resumption of direct flights.
The Ethiopian Herald April 30/2019
BY BILAL DERSO
