–Luring Kazakh investors
BY WORKU BELACHEW
ASTANA – A business delegation led by former President MulatuTeshome (PhD) held discussions with Kazakh officials and members of the business community on Wednesday targeting to penetrate the Central Asian market and lure the latter’s investors to Ethiopia.
The two-sides exchanged views on the prospects of doing business and reached consensus on proceeding with activities to open the avenue for meaningful economic ties in the near future.
Ethiopian Mission Deputy Chief in Ankara Ambassador Mulie Tarekegn told The Ethiopian Herald that the delegation is trying to lay a rock-hard foundation in the Ethiopia-Kazakh trade relations.
Indicating members of the delegation are drawn from various sectors including education, health, construction as well as import-export, he said they visited Astana International Financial Center (AIFC). The Ethiopia’s delegation exchanged views Kazakh counterparts on how the independent common law court operates maintaining the highest standards.
“Such court will protect the business community and further fosters doing business. It’s a good experience to replicate back at home”
The delegation also had B2B session with Kazakh counterparts. “We agreed to organize a big investment forum here in the near future. Of course, the forum should be preceded with the signing of various bilateral agreements and our mission in Ankara will facilitate the activities.”
He added: “Kazak textile, chemical and engine companies have a huge potential and our side would work to put things in order to attract as many of them to Ethiopia.”
Alemayehu Ketema, a member of the delegation and the CEO of Alemayehu Ketema General Construction Company said there is a need to learn ‘pace and quality’ of construction from Kazakh’s side. “Of course, input supply has a direct bearing on the quality and pace and we need more cement and steel factories.”
“In this regard, Ethiopia could get a better price from Kazakh market for the latter is known for its steel products.”
Alemayehu sees that investors from Kazakh could tap opportunities in Ethiopia and respective entities should engage in promotion works.
Over and beyond, their communication system seems to have contributed much to their achievement. “Our service sector should learn their system; we have to further ease doing business in Ethiopia.”
Dawit Hailu, another member of the delegation and Wudasse Group Managing Director gave a testimony that Kazakh hospital’s better technology and software. There is a possibility to equip our health facilities with such high-quality tech products. It also helps us to transfer the knowledge and technology.”
Former President Mulatu and the delegation he led also participated in Astana International Forum 2023 aimed at uniting efforts to address key global challenges. High-level delegations of foreign governments, international organizations and business and academic circles are taking part in the session.
Kazakh President Kassym-JomartTokayev launched the event yesterday that he deliberated on key international issues including the need to reform the UNSC to represent all regional voices.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 9 JUNE 2023
