Your Excellency, in April 2010, you led a delegation visiting Norway’s capital Oslo, and held talks with the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, the State Minister of the Environment and International Development, as well as Researchers and Managers of Norwegian Companies. From the Ethiopian point of view, what was the overall outcome of the visit, and how will this influence bilateral relation between our two countries in the time to come?
Yes, I made an official visit to Norway last month and am extremely satisfied with the outcome of the visit. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation and thanks to the Norwegian Government for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to me and my delegation during the visit. Having said this, during my visit in Oslo, it is true that I met and held extensive discussions with my friend and colleague Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and other Norwegian high level officials. Minister Støre and I have had the opportunity of holding similar discussions on various occasions before my visit to Norway on 7-8 April 2010. There were also exchanges of high level visits in recent years between the two countries at various times which helped to conduct periodic consultations ranging from bilateral to regional issues of common interest. Therefore, my recent visit to Norway could be viewed from this perspective. It constitutes as part of the regular consultations already in progress between high level officials of the two countries. We have reviewed out bilateral relations and dealt at length as to how our partnership could be further strengthened and consolidated in the years ahead. On bilateral matters, particular emphasis was given to economic cooperation, including trade and investment. He same is true with the ongoing overall political, economic and social transformation in Ethiopia. I have no doubt that my visit and the intensive discussions we made have helped us both understand each other and view things from different perspectives. Regional issues of peace and security were also central points of the bilateral discussions. We have discussed at length how both countries should coordinate their efforts towards the realization of peace and security in the Horn of Africa. Both of us have recognised that there is urgent need for the international community to make serious and concerted effort to promote peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. Failing to do would have dire consequences to the region and the African continent, and to the international community at large.
Excellency, what is your impression of Norwegian companies’ view of working with Ethiopia, based on your meetings with business managers in Norway?
First and Foremost, I would like to thank H.E. Jens-Petter Kjemprud, ambassador of Norway to Ethiopia who organised the meeting with the Norwegian business executives in Oslo during my visit. I have observed that they are interested in Renewable Energy, horticulture, Fertilizer, Machinery supply, Engineering consultancy etc… I have had an extensive discussion with them. Some have already a business connection with Ethiopia. For example, Yara, one of the largest fertilizer companies in the world which Is still supplying fertilizers to Ethiopia is now in potash exploration in the Dalol area of the Afar regional state to start producing fertilisers and has also shown interest to expand in the Horticulture sector. Mester Grønn is already importing roses from Ethiopia and would like to source more from the same origin. Norplan has signed agreement with our Ministry of Water Resources as consulting engineers. Companies like Rain Power, SN Power Africa, Trønder Energi are interested in the renewable energy. Especially in Hydro electric generation. Norfund has also interest to mobilize private investment.
My impression of these companies is that they are serious and committed to do business with and in Ethiopia. I have therefore encouraged them to explore all the possibilities to invest, expand and increase their business participation in our country and promised them to work together to attract more Norwegian companies in Ethiopia.
Excellency, what is Ethiopia’s main priority when it comes to bilateral cooperation with Norway?
I had this same question when I met Honourable Ms. Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide, Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee in the Norwegian Parliament. I told her that our priority in our bilateral cooperation with Norway is trade and investment. And this is true. These two are of win-win engagements between our countries. They can transform our economy if Norwegian companies invest in Ethiopia and export to the rest of the world including their own country. We also, would like to see our products being promoted in Norway and get market access in the Norwegian market. The current level of trade and investment between out two countries has to increase by many folds. There are possibilities of working together to promote trade and attract more Norwegian companies to Ethiopia.
As Norway has the capital, technology and expertise in the hydropower generation, that could be the sectors which Norwegian companies us as an entry point. It is estimated that Ethiopia has the potential of generating about 40000 MW of hydroelectric energy. This will not be only for Ethiopia but also for export to the region. This project, on top of its lucrative business potentials, it is also a peace project which integrates the region and beyond. On top of this, Norwegian companies are welcome in agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, mining and tourism. However, this does not mean that development assistance is less important in countries like Ethiopia. It is indeed vital. To make our economic cooperation and partnership mutually beneficial and more sustainable, development assistance should complement trade and investment.
In this connection I would like to thank the Norwegian Government for supporting Ethiopia’s economic development endeavours and call upon them to scale up their country programme fro cooperation.
Does your Excellency have a particular message for Norway and Norwegian business people related to the Norwegian Day of Constitution on May 17th?
On behalf of the people and the government of the Federal democratic Republic of Ethiopia and my self, I offer heartfelt congratulations to the people and Government of Norway on the occasion of the Norwegian Day of Constitution on May 17, 2010. Norwegian Constitution Day, as I understand, is a celebration of the day in 1814 when Norway’s constitution was signed in the town of Eidsvoll. Therefore, we cheer all Norwegians in the celebration of his special independence day.
I am confident that our long-standing relationship of cooperation will be renewed with new spirit of dialogue, mutual respect, common understanding and trust.
On this special occasion, I would like to encourage all Norwegian businessmen to turn their face to the land of tremendous trade and investment opportunities – Ethiopia – and assure them that my government will do its level best to facilitate their businesses.
On this memorable day, I once again wish the citizens of Norway, peace, happiness and prosperity in the years ahead.