∙ Ethiopian CG, South African CG & 386 other attended “Africa Connect” Webinar
Mumbai is progressing ahead post unlockdown and getting back to business in the International sector virtually. Indo – Africa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IACCI) organized a Webinar entitled “Africa Connect – Opportunities for Business & Investment in Ethiopia & South Africa on 16th July, 2020. H.E. Demeke Atnafu Ambulo, Consul General of Ethiopia in Mumbai and H. E. Andrea Kunh, Consul General of South Africa in Mumbai was part of the webinar. There was a phenomenal response for the webinar which was attended by more than 358 participants.
There were numerous opportunities showcased by Ethiopia, in this regard a video clip about investment opportunities in Priority Sectors was presented which was well received by participants. It was followed by a preface by Sunanda Rajendran, Secretary General of Indo – Africa Chamber of Commerce & Industry, emphasizing on ample opportunities existing for Indian business community.
Sunanda Rajendran, Secretary General of Indo – Africa Chamber of Commerce & Industry said “Today total trade between the two countries crossed over 1.4 billion USD and over 540 Indian companies with licensed investment of over 4 billion USD are operating in Ethiopia”.
H.E. Demeke Atnafu Ambulo, Consul General in Mumbai virtually presented opportunities for business and investment in Ethiopia. He highlighted reasons for investing and doing business in Ethiopia. He extensively elaborated on the commitment of the government for political and economic reforms, the growing economy, regional hub with wider access to African, USA and European markets. There are young and easily trainable labours with competitive wages, cheap electricity & water tariff rate as well as competitive incentives packages.
While declaring the launch of First Digital supplement on Ethiopia prepared by Indo-Africa Chamber of Commerce & Industry, CG Demeke extended his heartfelt gratitude and profound appreciation to Sunanda Rajendran and her team for their relentless effort in promoting India and Ethiopia as well as Indo-Africa trade & investment partnership.
Demeke Atnafu Ambulo, Ethiopia’s CG, Andrea Kunh, South Africa’s CG & Sunanda Rajendran, Secretary General IACCI
A leading businessman who has his business in Ethiopia who is also part of webinar, on the condition of anonymity said “It is a superb initiative by Ethiopian Consulate and IACCI to organize such a wonderful webinar. It has developed a confidence in every business and Industrial houses present in Ethiopia. Indeed, this initiative has boosted our morale to enhance our relationship with them and we would remain loyal to them”.
Sunanda Rajendran, Secretary General IACCI said “The IACCI has announced the webinar series ’Africa Connect”. The main objective of this webinar is to encourage and motivate the business community of India. COVID -19 has changed the lives of everyone. People are nervous and lost, they are packing directions. So, post Covid what path they have to select? That is why there are three series of webinars, these will reiterate our commitment to working together on broadening and further expansion of bilateral trade, investment and cooperation. It is an attempt to support the vision of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards Africa”.
Mrs. Sunanda further elaborated “Ethiopia is the Horn of Africa, an East African country full of opportunities. It has great scope for joint ventures and technology transfer between India and Ethiopia and the bilateral trade has crossed 1.4 bn$. Both countries have had unique cultural, traditional, historical linkages and this century old partnership has always been warm and cordial. There are huge opportunities for Indian business community in the Agriculture sector, pharma sector healthcare , hospitality, skill development, ceramics and glass products many more.
H.E. Demeke Atnafu Ambulo, Consul General in Mumbai, speaking exclusively to Mumbai Messenger Newspaper said “It is a need of the hour to begin with business post lockdown. The Ethiopian government through Ethiopian Consulate in Mumbai is keen on taking Indian business to the next level. Ethiopia is a land of great opportunities and we have a plethora of business to offer to Indian industrialists and business communities. There are many leading Indian industrialists who are operating in Ethiopia have further shown keenness to expand their business. We are optimistic that many more would come to Ethiopia to be a part of growth”.
Sumit Govind Sharma, Vice President IACCI delivered vote of thanks to participants.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
