Ethiopia News

Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (AACCSA) and the Tunisian Chamber of Commerce and Industry held business-to-business meeting in Addis Ababa.

The Tunisian delegation comprised of high officials and representatives of 40 companies engaged in agro-processing and industry.

Tunisian Chamber President, Nejib Mell said the delegation came to explore the scope of partnership in trade and investment.

The companies are interested in finding partners which would intensify the economic cooperation between the two countries, he added.

AACCSA Deputy Secretary General, Shibeshi Bettemariam said on his part Ethiopia has a great place for prospective business partners and investors.

He called into attention the booming construction, infrastructure, agro-processing and manufacturing sectors as well as the lucrative incentives such as 5 year tax holiday, cheap electricity and labor as attractive opportunities.

Representative of the Tunisian Andalusian White Cement Company, Ahmed Ben Abdullah said the construction boom in Ethiopia has attracted his company to visit the country.

He added that there is no company which produces white cement in Ethiopia.

Representatives of the two chambers have finally signed Memorandum of Understanding that improves business cooperation between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Tunisian Secretary of State for Foreign Trade Hichem Ben Ahmed had earlier hold discussion with Foreign Affairs State Minister Aklilu Hailemichael.

They discussed about the issue of strengthening bilateral relation between the two countries.

Secretary of State Hichem Ben Ahmed said Tunisia wants to strengthen business-to-business relation with Ethiopia.

He added that relation between Ethiopia and Tunisia is historical but their trade exchange is low.

Tunisian businesspersons are interested in investing in edible oil products in Ethiopia and strengthen trade relation, according to Hichem Ben Ahmed.

State Minister Aklilu Hailemichael said on his part that as Ethiopia imports huge amount of edible oil Tunisian investment in edible oil products will help the country to save hard currency.

The country can also benchmark Tunisia’s experiences in education, tourism and industry, he noted.

Ethiopia and Tunisia established diplomatic relations in 1968.