Ambassador meets with Minister of Trade and Industry.

During the discussions the Ambassador highlighted the efforts that the embassy has made in attracting Norwegian businesses to Ethiopia as well as the promotion of Norwegian imports from Ethiopia such as honey, flowers and coffee. In addition to our monthly newsletter informing the Norwegian business community about the economic developments of Ethiopia with news and updates from the business sector, the ambassador presented the potential in Ethiopia to a large group of business decision makers during a seminar that focused on investment opportunities in Africa with the main aim of raising awareness of the business opportunities in Ethiopia. Also mentioned was the business focus that was made during Minister Seyoum Mesfins visit in Oslo last month that has helped to profile Ethiopia as a potential business partner to Norwegians.  Minister Girma Birru commended the efforts by the embassy and added that the countries have to work together in changing the perception of Ethiopia and attracting the Norwegian private sector to engage more in Ethiopia.

The interest of the Norwegian business community in doing business with Ethiopia is gradually growing and particularly the companies within the energy sector are exploring the hydropower opportunities in Ethiopia.  The planned delegation by Norwegian hydropower companies to Ethiopia in September 2010 will provide a solid basis for further cooperation in this area.