EPA has been the voice of Ethiopia and I take this opportunity to extend my felicitations to everyone at EPA and also to wish them the very best in this journey.
During the State Visit of the Indian President to Ethiopia in October 2017, Ethiopia and India signed an agreement to facilitate media collaboration between the two countries. In pursuance thereof, the Indian Embassy in Addis Ababa has taken the initiative in trying to connect media organisations of the two countries. Ethiopia was one of the first countries from Africa to establish diplomatic relations with India in 1948.
This year, we are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries. As part of the celebrations, we have had 5 cultural groups from India performing in various parts of Ethiopia during the past few months – Addis Ababa, Bishoftu, Ambo, Adama, Zway, Adami Tillu and Hawassa. More groups from India are expected to perform in Ethiopia. Earlier this year, a cultural group visited India. We are also expecting visits of media delegations from Ethiopia to India in the near future.
In February 2023, a 50 member Parliamentary delegation from Ethiopia visited India for a short familiarisation course conducted by the Indian Parliament. The delegation included government whips, chairs & members of various committees and presidents of regional parliaments. Their feedbacks were commendable. Also, Ethio India Parliamentary Friendship group has been recently established in the House of People’s Representatives.
Solidarity between Ethiopia and India has been strong. Under India’s development partnership, we have been providing short term training programmes for Ethiopian nationals in various institutions in India. These are fully funded by India. Every year, we offer about 400 short term training slots for Ethiopia. Since 1969, more than 4000 Ethiopian nationals have attended these courses. Separately, Indian Council for Cultural Relations offers 55 scholarships (under graduate, post graduate and PhD courses) for Ethiopia. Under the Study in India initiative, various scholarships are also provided to students from Ethiopia and Africa.
Indian investments have substantial presence in Ethiopia. More than 650 Indian companies are registered with the Ethiopian Investment Commission. Indian companies have generated employment for more than 72,000 Ethiopian nationals. Also, India is the second largest trading partner for Ethiopia.
India Business Forum is an association of Indian investors in Ethiopia. They have taken the initiative of promoting Ethiopia as a favorable destinations for investors from India. In this regard, EPA/Ethiopian Herald and India Business Forum have agreed to collaborate and work together. This bodes well for all. Once again, congratulations to the EPA/Ethiopian Herald family!
AMB. MR. ROBERT SHETKINTONG (Indian Amb. to Ethiopia)
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 4 JULY 2023
