It is to be recalled that in Herald’s first Sunday special edition we had presented some parts of our interview with the lady executive Mulu Solomon on the executive column. As we promised here we are with the remaining part of the interview which gives an insight into her experience and outlook as well as her first steps in the spheres of diplomacy. Excerpts,
Could you brief us on the role you played towards the development of trade, investment and the like while you were in the Chamber of Commerce?
- While I was the president of Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectorial Associations (ECCSA) and after I left the position, I had shared my experiences with and trained Regional and City Board directors and Management members, Women Entrepreneurs Associations leaders and would-be-leaders, among others. The training was focusing on leadership, Entrepreneurial Leadership, Association Governance, Public Private Dialogue in cooperation with Chamber Academy and Centre for International Private Enterprises (CIPE) USA. Many have confirmed that they have benefited from the training. They gave feedback it could help them to change for the better their associations, businesses and their own lives. 2) By creating and also by utilizing other opportunities
I have successfully, communicated to different parts of the world that Ethiopia in particular or Africa in general is going to be the future for humankind. In my presentation about investing in Ethiopia, I have well promoted my country in so many ways. My official speeches, activities, in formal and informal communications, exhibitions of chambers bristle with this issue. I did so by leading business delegations to different countries and inviting and encouraging local and foreign investors to come and work in Ethiopia. Inviting others for experience sharing and also directing Ethiopians to go and see things first. I used to give inspiring and training works to countless returnees from abroad, especially from Arab countries. But I do not deny that my push or the effort of ECCSA and Embassies abroad didn’t bring needed investors especially from the west. The reason mainly resides in bureaucracy, highness of doing business compared to other competing countries, etc.,
To address the problems, we had PPD with the government. The government has agreed to create one-stop service for customs clearance and revenue. Then, higher level international consultants, who could study and put the system in place, were invited and work was soon started. From ACCSA, we agreed with the then Revenue and Customs Authority to have one person in the Grievance Appeal Committee. Thus we have helped a lot of people to grow their business instead of being discouraged with the incorrect tax assessment.
Some requirements for license renewal like certificate of competency were improved through dialogue. Some laws and regulations were improved. After the dialogue an agreement was reached for the change of the law for Chamber establishment though not yet put in place. The major thing we had agreed on was to make a joint effort to develop the private sector by putting in place the right policy, rules and regulations to develop the private sector. Instead of giving it a name to be “The cornerstone of the county’s development” “The engine for the economic development” etc and leave it to remain an infant in so many ways, through practical government systems. Working towards the solution was started but so far not in place. But now the government is committed to bring a change – our effort is to bear hold fruit. As a V/ president of Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( PACCI) and as V/Chair of Common Market for Eastern and Sothern Africa ( COMESA) Business Council, we were strictly pushing and voicing formally and informally to the head of states to consider economic issues than focusing on political issues alone. I see now AU’s meeting usually accommodates economic meetings also. Wherever I had been a speaker about African issues, I did belabor the basic issues of Africa. Its leaders and people should first liberate themselves from their mental imprisonment. I believe my positive thrust to the aforementioned effect will make it happen later or sooner. I may not remember the big or small contributions I made. But I have mentioned very small things here. I believe a brick from each of us can make a difference. That is why I do not hesitate to do what I can.
What must Ethiopia do to strengthen its competitiveness in the regional and global market?
Ethiopia is endowed with so many natural resources including climate. Let me explain things as any layperson with a common sense, not as an expert. Among so many things, I think Ethiopia should do the following 1) As the government cannot do everything alone, a clear policy, rules and regulations should be put in place. We have to see to their implementations pertaining to developing the role and involvement of the private sector in the economic performance of the country, etc. 2) To focus on its comparative and competitive products and services 3) Giving attention to value creation and addition, i.e. increasing exporting value-added products and services 4) Encouraging ethical domestic and foreign investors and businesses 5) Encouraging businesses be it in manufacturing or service with proper priority to the ones that can better benefit the country. We need to note that manufacturing without service industry is meaningless and fruitless. 6) Developing the agricultural sector in a very creative way. For example, our coffee is not accorded due attention. We have to conduct proper research to get high yields per space, or we have to upgrade its quality which is possible 7) Working on the development of human resource capacity and attitude 8) As a late comer learning from other countries adopting and customizing systems that worked well and improving on technological advancement 8) Encouraging creativity. The serial numbers above are simply to note points. They are not meant to show priority. Generally, we need to work on products to satisfy the clients interest in terms of product quality, packing, delivery time and price, etc.
Could you tell us your engagement in the sphere of diplomacy?
I did not engage in diplomatic missions before (She is now Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to Germany.) But I had been a member of Ethiopian public diplomacy. The training we took and the practical activities have developed my experience in the sector. In my experience in social services, like Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association, Pan- African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, COMESA Business Council, Advisory Group for Sub – Sahara Africa to IMF World Bank Group, Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies, etc., we all were diplomats for our country and our continent. And we were diplomats of the world on many issues like Environment, Peace, Immigration, Natural and Human Made Disaster, Economy, Health, etc.
Down the road, drawing lessons from others and via self-teaching I believe I will contribute a lot.
As a final point, is there anything you would like to add?
I would like to thank the Ethiopian People for their unconditional love and support they gave me so far. I believe this will continue. I want to promise that I will plant the best seed to harvest better by following the law of nature. As a citizen of the world, I will work for the mutual benefit of my country and for counties in which I represent my country. Thus, the world will also benefit out of what I genuinely and jointly do with others.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday June 9, 2019
BY ADDISALEM MULAT
