Stakeholders’ Meeting with the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia

In a bid to cement economic ties and enhance collaboration with Ethiopia, the Economic Development Board organised an interactive session between H.E Addisu Gebreigzabhier, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia to Mauritius and the Mauritian private sector operators this morning 11th March 2020.  The meeting saw the participation of around 50 representatives of Mauritian operators evolving across different sectors namely, Banking, Construction, Agro-Industry, Manufacturing and ICT.

Delivering the welcome address, Mr. Vinay Guddye, Head of the Logistics & Africa Desk at EDB has reiterated the commitment of the Government to forge stronger diplomatic and economic ties with Ethiopia. He also underlined the willingness of H.E Addisu Gebreigzabhier to pursue discussions with the private sector with a view to take cooperation to new heights.

On the other hand, H.E Addisu Gebreigzabhier showcased a comprehensive presentation on the latest developments and key investment and business opportunities in Ethiopia.

In this perspective, the Mauritian operators leveraged this platform to exchange their views on challenges and impediments which hinder trade and investment in Ethiopia.   The Mauritian business community expressed their concerns and experience about VISA facilities, the banking system as well as exports of Mauritian products and services to Ethiopia.

To this end, H.E Addisu Gebreigzabhier is determined to address challenges in areas of visa on arrival, letter of credit, legal framework on blockchain, exports of Mauritian goods and services.  He reassured the Mauritian business community that the Ethiopian Government is embarking on a series of reforms which will facilitate ease of doing business between our two countries.  Moreover, he expressed his commitment to pursue future discussions towards key issues such as connectivity and DTAA between Mauritius and The Federal Republic of Ethiopia.

It should be highlighted that the forthcoming visit of a high-level delegation from Ethiopia in April will pave the way for enhanced trade and investment cooperation between our two countries.