ethiopian chamber of commerce and sectoral associations...

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Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) Latest News

ECCSA Receives US Delegation

The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) received a US

delegation from US- Africa Business Center, US Chamber of Commerce, on November 8,

2017 at the Chamber’s Board room and discussed on the activities the two entities will

undertake in cooperation.

The aim of the meeting was discussing on the possible areas of collaboration between

ECCSA and US- Africa Business Center (USAfBC).

A power point presentation on the overall activities and services provided by ECCSA, Ethio-

US business relations, exported and imported commodities, possible areas of cooperation

between the two countries and other related topic was presented from ECCSA side and the

delegation reflected on it.

The two sides agreed to work jointly in the future on the ways they strengthen their

relations in the future especially issues on how trade and investment is promoted,

supporting of capacity building, sharing of best practices, membership protection,

fundraising, providing incentives for associations and others.

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It was learnt that USAfBC is the top voice advocating for increased trade between the

United States and Africa, with a focus on leading the US business community in a new

period of unprecedented engagement with Africa’s regional economic communities.

ECCSA-Media: Stepping in Mutual Partnership

The media were facilitated with awareness raising training on media utilization for

advocacy

CMNF was also established

The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) organized from

November 2-3, 2017, an awareness raising training on business reporting and media

utilization for advocacy to government and private media professionals at Adama, Dire

International Hotel. Chamber-Media Networking Forum (CMNF) was also established.

The main purpose of the training is to enhance the understanding and the practical skills of

the journalists on business reporting and media utilization for advocacy.

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The program tried to draw on cases to highlight good practices and identify lessons of real

life experience of the journalists on business reporting and media utilization for advocacy.

Meanwhile, after an in-depth discussion on the importance and significance of the Forum,

the two institutions: ECCSA and the Media, also established CMNF.

Speaking on the event, Endalkachew Sime, Secretary General of ECCSA, stated that the

significance of the Forum was to strengthen and ensure the sustainability of the media

intervention in the private sector’s development by creating a common platform between

ECCSA and the media.

According to the Secretary General, the media intervention should be in a way it promotes

the domestic private sector as the domestic private sector, apart from its economic partner

of the society, is one of the key components of the society.

“Therefore,” said Ato Endalkachew, “there is a need for the media to produce a balanced

story where facts would be illustrated as they are, with of course a merciless constructive

criticism”. “In so doing, we would be able to build trust among citizens”, the Secretary

added.

Debebe Abebe, Corporate Communications and Public Relations Director in ECCSA on his

part said that strong and sustainable media intervention is a prerequisite to address the

Chamber System and its mandates stipulated in the establishment proclamation

no.341/2003 to the vast audience across the country and globally.

The media intervention contributes to an informed economic condition and allows the

business community, government bodies and the entire people to form views and make

informed choices in respect of visionary development, the Director added.

The CMNF, said the Director, is, therefore, an important contribution to the development of

the private sector in that it holds a significant potential for its growth and competitiveness

both locally and at international stages.

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The training was financed by the Private Sector’s Development (PSD) Hub, a project

supported by Sida in ECCSA and was provided by Center for African Leadership Studies

(CALS).

8th GA: Thought “Enduring, but Fruitful”

Despite the persistent hardship over a year, as many assumed, the 8th General Assembly of

the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) conducted on

October 27, 2017 at Hilton Hotel officially elected members of the new Board of Directors:

President, Vice President and nine Board of Directors that are going to lead the Chamber

for the next two consecutive years.

Accordingly, Engineer Melaku Ezezew, President of Amhara Chamber of Commerce And

Sectoral Associations (ACCSA) and Ato Aseffa Gebresillasie, President of Tigray Chamber of

Commerce and Sectoral Associations (TCCSA) were designated the next President and Vice

President of ECCSA respectively.

Similarly, Mrs. Teminet Solomon, Dr. Aynalem Abayneh, Ato Abebayehu Girma, Ato Eyassu

Mosisa, Ato Ashenafi Feleke, Ato Teshale Fisehatsion, Ato Tadesse Genna, Dr. Hasen

Abdulahi and Ato Engida Beyene were also nominated members of the Board of Directors.

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It was a year ago that the GA had to undertake the electoral procedure of the Board of

Directors in spite of its pending for almost more than a year. In a press release delivered to

journalists a few months ago, the out-going President of ECCSA, Ato Solomon Afework, had

provided an explanation that the root causes of such coincidences were the existence of

injustice and absence of rule of law among some of the member chambers in electoral

procedures.

It was learned that the National Chamber formed a committee and task force that held the

issue and made a report of all the complaints made by the member chambers where the

problem aggravates, and delivered it to the concerned government bodies: Ministry of

Trade (MoT) and Ministry of Industry (MoI).

MoT and MoI, having looked into the cases thoroughly, have made their decisions, based on

the findings that the Chambers under question had been found against the proclamation

and the regulation of the private sector (indorsed in Sept. 2014), that they would resolve

the situation.

The GA, which is represented by 176 seats, has, at the end, finalized peacefully the electoral

procedure that undergone through disputable moments over a year.

Finally, the former Board of Directors: Ato Solomon Afework, President; Ato Abebaw

Mekonnen, Vice President; and the nine board members; honorably delivered the place and

officially out-went while the in-coming ones took over the place taking a solemn oath of

loyalty.

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ECCSA Receives GIZ Representative

Ato Endalkachew Sime, Secretary General of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and

Sectoral Associations (ECCSA), received Mr. Ulrich Stephan, Quality Management Senior

Expert in Tegbare-Id Polytechnic College and Representative of GIZ, working in sustainable

training and education program, on 12th of October, 2017 at his office.

As Mr. Ulrich said that the purpose of his visit was to discuss on how to strengthen the ties

between TVET and the industry sector and also to invite ECCSA so as to participate on the

international Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Conference which

will be organized by GIZ. The concern in the future is making TVET qualitative center for

Education and Training which is strongly related to demand driven of the industry, he

added.

Ato Endalkachew on his part stated that Germany is among the few strategic partners with

which Ethiopia needs to further maximize its relationship. The Secretary General also said

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that ECCSA wants to frame its partnership with Germany in the form of project in the area

of technical and vocational capacity building and do the initiative in the Chamber Academy

in the future in order to produce and bring the trained and educated people to the industry

sector properly.

It was learnt that in line with the Ethiopian Government’s objectives, GIZ with Ethiopia

currently focuses on the area of labor-market-oriented education and training.

ECCSA Discusses with Moroccan Delegation

Ato Endalkachew Sime, Secretary General of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral

Associations (ECCSA), held discussion with the Moroccan delegation at his office on 12th

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October, 2017.

The meeting was aimed at discussing on the full participation of the Moroccan business on

the trade fair show, business forum, business to business meeting, and visit of the

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industrial park and other programs of the 10th Ethio-chamber international Trade Fair to

be organized by Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations in late October

this year.

Mrs. Nezha Alaoui M’Hammdi, Ambassador of the Embassy of Morocco to Ethiopia, said

that the concern of the embassy is to collect and disseminate information, to push and

move forward and coordinate to have the maximum of Moroccan participants in the trade

fair, for the event is very important for both countries. One hundred fifty members of the

Moroccan delegation including representatives from agriculture, poultry and agribusiness

will participate at the business forum, the Ambassador added.

The Secretary General on his part stated that ECCSA’s focus is to persuade and build the

confidence of the companies to come to Ethiopia, so that they can promote Ethiopian

products. The Secretary General further said that Moroccan companies are encouraged to

come and invest in Ethiopia; however, other dealers should not be allowed to export

Moroccan products to Ethiopia.

It was also said that so far about seven Moroccan companies have confirmed to attend the

event and ECCSA would provide them with necessary information, facilitating their

clearance from customs, visa and other processes.

The two sides discussed briefly on the tentative programs of the trade fair show, Ethio-

Moroccan Business Forum, B2B and what would be going to be done.

They finally agreed to meet again and discussed on updated information.

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ECCSA Organized “Ethiopian Private Sector Corporate Social Responsibility Fund Establishing” Meeting

The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) organized a

meeting under the title “Ethiopian Private Sector Corporate Social Responsibility Fund

Establishing Conclave” and discussed on the draft of its establishing charter on September

14, 2017 at Hilton Addis Hotel

Two days long 2017 Silk Road Business Summit, organized in Xian city of central China

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The two days long 2017 Silk Road Business Summit, organized in Xian city of central China

by Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce (SRCIC), is bringing about 80 national

chambers, including ECCSA, following the routes of Silk Road.

The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) has joined Silk

Road Chamber of International Commerce (SRCIC) as a member this year and received its

membership certificate in an official ceremony held in Xian, China.

Training said to Enhance Capacity of ECCSA’s Staff in PPME

The Ethiopian Chamber Academy and Private Sector Development Hub under the

Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) jointly organized a

three day long training under the title “Project Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

(PPME) at Golden Mark Int. Hotel,

Bishoftu.

The objective of the training is to

enhance the capacity of the

participants in PPME by providing

them with practical insight and tools.

In his remarks Ato Wubie Menigistu,

Deputy Secretary General of ECCSA

stated that this training is one of the

most significant elements in

capacitating the staff that develops their skills so as to further augment ECCSA’s result

based system in planning, monitoring and evaluation. The trainees should apply the

knowledge and skill they acquired and practical experiences they shared each other in to

their day to day activities, the Deputy Secretary General added.

Project Frame Work, Project Designing and Planning, Result Based Monitoring and

Evaluation, Data Collection, Presentation, Analysis and Reporting Methods were some of

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the topics presented on the training, after which experiences sharing, questions and

answers, suggestions, comments and group works had been explicitly entertained.

It was presented that monitoring and evaluation are very crucial for realizing the

objectives of development programs and projects. It was further presented that they are

vital information required in improving the selection, performance and cost-effectiveness

of projects and programs.

Around twenty participants from members of ECCSA Management and senior experts

partook the training.

Business Briefing Session and B2B Event Organized

A business briefing and b2b event organized by Ethiopia Invest and Ministry of Economic

Affairs, Transport, Agriculture and Viniculture of Rhineland-Palatinate State, Germany was

held at Radisson Blue Hotel on 28th August, 2017.

The aim of the program was to establish a business link between Ethiopia and the State of

Rhineland-Palatinate.

In his opening remarks, Stephen Wendt, 1st Secretary-Head of Economic and Cultural

Sections of German Embassy to Ethiopia, said that German Companies are well-known for

quality, sustainability, and reliability and they are looking for reliable partners to do

business in Ethiopia. He also said that the German Embassy strongly encourages both

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Ethiopian and German business companies to meet and discuss in order to get know each

other better their individual needs and demands.

Ato Adisu Tekle, Senior Advisor to Secretary General of ECCSA, on his part stated that

ECCSA has had excellent working relationship with its German counter parts and this

program will open the opportunity to furthering the relations of the two sides widely. The

Advisor also stated that the program also paves the way for transferring technological

innovations and sharing of knowledge with which the domestic businesses develop their

skills.

On the business briefing, there were various presentations followed by question and

answer session and b2b event.

On 29th August, 2017, this German delegation which consisted of 10 members

representing animal nutrition, ICT, and chemical companies visited ECCSA. As stated by Dr.

Richard Auernheimer, Head of the Delegation, the aim of the business trip to Ethiopia is to

share experiences of economic representation of Rhineland-Palatinate coordination office

situated in Rwanda and to further strengthen the relationships between German and

Ethiopian companies through ECCSA.

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Ato Endalkachew Sime, Secretary General of ECCSA stated that ECCSA has a great honor to

have the delegation which represents the German business community. He further stated

that ECCSA has been hosting different groups of business communities from Germany and

has got a very promising relationship with them. The strategic focus that the German

Companies are forming in terms of region is very appreciable and it is what the Ethiopian

private sector needs as well, Ato Endalkachew added.

It was learnt that Rhineland-Palatinate is characterized by medium-sized enterprises with

reliable and highly qualified professionals, whose performance and flexibility contribute to

the highly quality of the world famous label “Made in Germany”.

Conference said to seek solutions for inadequate finance access to Industrialization

Dream Promotion, Ministry of Industry and Commercial Bank of Ethiopia co-organized a

conference under the title “Finance for Nationwide Industrial Development” on August

24 & 25 at the Hall of ECA (Economic Commission for Africa).

The aim of the forum was to put the finance institutions, the private companies and the

concerned government bodies together in order to strengthen their cooperation and

discuss on problems caused due to inadequate finance access to the development of

industrialization and bring common solutions to them.

There were various power point presentations entitled with “Ethiopian Manufacturing

Investment Opportunities and Need of Financing, Integrated Agro-Industrial Parks, Finance

and Industrialization and others which have been presented on the conference and

deliberated on.

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In his presentation, Ato Endalkachew Sime, Secretary General of ECCSA explained that

access to finance could be a base for initial capital for new business or capital for expansion

for existing business activities. He further explained that easy access to adequate finance

thus can contribute a lot to the expansion of trade and industrialization. The problems in

obtaining adequate finance in Ethiopia; however, are commonly shared hurdles for doing

business mainly manifested through insufficient loan size, difficulties in obtaining credit,

inadequate loan terms and conditions and limitations in access to foreign currency, the

Secretary General added.

It was also said that since medium and small enterprises (SMEs) have a limitation to get

financial services from banks, they are obliged to relay on finances obtained from

microfinance institutions.

Around hundred participants representing the government offices, private companies,

finance institutions, development organizations were involved on the conference.

Experience Sharing Session Held

The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) held an

experience sharing discussion with Kenyan Delegation of 12 high officials headed by Dr.

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Milan Sharma, Head-Global Initiatives of IL & FS Cluster Development Initiatives Limited,

on August 21, 2017 at the Chamber board room.

The objective of the delegation’s visit is to understand what have been the growth history

of leather sector in Ethiopia and the possible leanings that Kenya can have from it and also

to explore collaboration between the two countries in terms of trade and investment. It

was also discussed on the development of trade and investment, technology transfer,

partnerships, participations of private sector and its initiatives.

It was learnt that the delegation consisted of representatives from industry associations,

leather, research institutes and private companies.

The 3rd National Public Private Consultation forum held

Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said that the government will support the private

sector to improve its efficiency and productivity.

During the 3rd national public-private sector consultation forum held on Saturday, August

19/2017, the Premier said the government will contribute share for the development of the

sector.

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During the forum the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA)

raised challenges that the sector is facing.

Access to finance, gaps in organizational structure, corruption and unfair practices are

among the challenges that test the effectiveness of the private sector, according to ECCSA

President Solomon Afework.

These challenges are not only stunting the sector but also prohibiting investors from

engaging in the manufacturing sector by limiting their capability, he added.

Noting that some of the major challenge that were testing the effectiveness of the sector

have already addressed, the President stressed on the need for the government to work

enhance the role of the private sector in the economy.

Listening to the queries of the chamber, the Premier said the government will consider the

issues raised by the chamber including revising the organizational structure.

Hilemariam pledged to revise the organizational structure to enable the private sector

more efficient and productive.

He also urged the sector to assist the government in its efforts towards ensuring

accountability and the fight against corruption.

The support of the private sector will also enable the government‘s efforts in ensuring fair

trade system.

The government is working to modernize the tax system to enhance the tax collection

capacity of the country, he indicated.

Established seven years ago, the Public-Private consultation forum has been held for over

18 times.

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SG Receives Botswana Delegation

Ato Endalikachew Sime, Secretary General (SG) of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and

Sectoral Associations (ECCSA), received a Botswana Delegation of two high officials headed

by Mmaamosadinyana Punkie Josephine Molefe, Ambassador of Botswana to Ethiopia and

Permanent Representative to the African Union, on August 15, 2017 at his office and

discussed on Botswana Global Expo and related issues.

The aim of meeting was discussing on how Ethiopian business delegation participate on

Botswana Global Expo to be held at the end of October, 2017.

The Ambassador said that Botswana has a global expo where investors will be invited from

all over the world to showcase products and available opportunities to invest in Botswana.

She further said that a delegation of four high officials from Botswana will come to Ethiopia

and stay from 27th of August to 2nd September, 2017 in order to find facts, share

experiences and provide information about the benefit of attending this Global Expo. She

also said that Botswana needs to share experience from Ethiopian Leather Industry and do

business in joint venture.

Ato Endalkachew on his part stated that Ethiopia has a well-established relationship with

Botswana and this kind of international expo can be one of the platforms which bring the

two businesses together. He also said that ECCSA is interested to receive the proposed

delegation and discuss with them on the necessary issues and ECCSA has also an

assignment to check the profile of this event and see the possibilities of heading a

delegation to Botswana. Even if Ethiopia

is not benefiting well from its livestock

potential, the leather sector especially the

domestic shoe market is now doing well

by targeting first on the domestic shoe

manufacturers which have already taken

over 70% of the domestic market and the

regional market is also becoming the

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second target where Botswana may benefit from it, the SG added. Ato Endalkachew finally

invited the delegation to participate on the 10th Ethio-Chamber International Trade Fair.

It is also said that the assignment of the two parties is to arrange ways in bringing the two

business entities together and to facilitate the networking.

Sri Lanka Ambassador paid courtesy visit to ECCSA

Mr. Endalkachew Sime, Secretary General of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and

Sectoral Associations (ECCSA), received Mr. Sumith Dassanayake, Ambassador of Sri Lanka

to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia(FDRE) and the African Union(AU), at his

office today, (15th of August, 2017) and discussed on different pertinent issues that the two

parties plans to perform in partnership.

Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake said Sri Lanka fact finding mission on business

opportunities and investment regulations in Ethiopia lead by senior Government officials is

expected to arrive in Addis Ababa very soon and holds different business related meetings

with their Ethiopian counterparts.

Highlighting on the investment opportunities and priority arias of investment where varies

incentives are, Mr. Endalkachew said that the textile and garment sub- sector is the most

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important area of investment to which varies advantages are in place; such as competitive

labor force, well facilitated and state of the art Industrial parks, among other.

Mr. Endalkachew added, it is an important approach of the Sri Lanka business persons to

link-up businesses of the two countries based on research. He has also briefed the

ambassador about the major services: trade and investment promotion, advocacy, and

capacity building rendered by ECCSA.

The Secretary General finally recommended the ambassador that the Sri Lanka businesses

should come to Ethiopia to do jointly and invest on the abundant business opportunities of

Ethiopia for the benefit of the two sides.

Supporting Returnees Should Done in Sustainable Manner says President

FDRE President H.E DR. Mulatu Teshome said efforts exerted to rehabilitate Ethiopians

who are returning from Saudi Arabia should be done in a sustainable manner.

While receiving a committee established by the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and

Sector Associations (ECCSA) to rehabilitate returnees on July 15/2017, the President

emphasized that permanently rehabilitating them should be the center of the support

intended to be provided by the business community.

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The support from the business communities should focus on provision of training and

consultancies to enable them attain self-sustenance.

Noting that the poverty reduction policy of the country will provide employment

opportunities, the president emphasized the need to develop skill of returnees to use these

opportunities.

He mentioned the textile industries being expanded in the country along the development

of industrial parks as one of employment opportunities.

President of ECCSA, Solomon Afework briefed President Mulatu about the willingness of

the business community to support the returnees.

The committee pledged to organize fundraising program to provide financial support for

the returnees, provide trainings to enable them engage in income generating activities and

consulting who have financial capabilities.

IBF 4th Biennial Meeting Conducted

“The fifth was proposed and indorsed to be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia”

A business delegation consisting of senior officials from the 7 Member States of

Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) gathered at Mombasa, Kenya to

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attend on the 4th Biennial Meeting of the IGAD Business Forum (IBF) held on 11th – 12th

July, 2017.

According to the official report by IGAD Secretariat, senior representatives of the Chambers

of Commerce of Member States: Sudan, South Sudan, the Republic of Djibouti, Somalia,

Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, members from IGAD Secretariat, business representatives and

others attended the meeting.

Endalkachew Sime, Secretary General of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral

Associations (ECCSA) was a sole representative from Ethiopia.

The objectives of the 4th IBF meeting, as highlighted by Mr. Joseph Rwanshote, P.M, Trade,

Industry & Tourism, Economic Cooperation & Social Development Division, IGAD

Secretariat, was to take stock of IBF achievement since its revitalization in 2010 and to

increase the aspects and understanding the different perspectives as regards the

integration from each country delegation, the report revealed.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr. James Mureu who was representing the National Chairman

of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the incoming Chair of IBF, cited

the importance of cooperation and integration between Member States business

communities because there is a lot of potential in the region, the report added. It is also

stated that the incoming Chair decried the negative externalities of insecurity and political

problems which the economic progress very much depends on. And following his criticism,

he forwarded his opinion that business leaders should play a part in ensuring that available

resources are safeguarded and sustainably managed to avoid conflicts.

Also on the report was what the out-going Chair of IBF Mr. Youssouf Moussa Dawale,

President of Chamber of Commerce of Djibouti, stated. He cited the need for the IGAD

region economic community to remain organized and strong in sustain the growth

currently being experienced and take advantage of globalization. “This advantage” said the

outgoing Chair “will be taken by creating and developing dynamic, attractive and secure

regional markets”.

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Ato Endalkachew Sime, Secretary General of ECCSA also reflected on the ongoing business

trends and opportunities on Ethiopian side and the role being played by ECCSA in the

national economy. According to the S.G., the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce, which is one

of the oldest Chambers in Africa with more than 60 years old, plays an important advocacy

role, conducts studies and engages government to address constraints to doing business

that investors face in Ethiopia. He also stated that the government of Ethiopia offers

incentives like 100% import tax exemptions on construction materials, capital goods such

as green houses, irrigation and other implementation materials, on inputs such as seeds,

seedlings, pesticides, etc. and the favorable government policies and laws that attract

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

IBF was first established in 2002 and re-launched in a conference convened in Kampala,

Uganda on 4-5, 2010, with the 1st three meetings held in Kampala, Uganda, Khartoum,

Sudan and Djibouti, the Republic of Djibouti. The fifth was proposed and indorsed to be

held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

ECCSA Receives Chinese delegation

The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) received a

delegation of fifteen high officials from Jiangsu Economic and Trade Promotion, China on

13th July, 2017 at the Chamber’s Board room.

The purpose of the delegation’s visit is to know the business opportunities and

environment in Ethiopia and to exchange business information between the two countries.

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Mr. Cong Sufeng, Vice Chairman of China Council for Promotion of International Trade

(CCPIT), Jiangsu Sub-Council, said that the delegation has visited the Investment

Commission, construction sector, industrial zone and China Embassy in Addis Ababa to get

information about business opportunities and investment in Ethiopia. The Vice Chairman

also said that the delegation has been impressed by the stable political situation and

tremendous business opportunities in Ethiopia and it likes to encourage the Jiangsu

companies to come to Ethiopia and invest especially in water, energy, infrastructure,

building, engineering and other sectors. “The visit of this economic and commercial

delegation in Ethiopia happened after the Ethiopian Ambassador to China and Ethiopian

General Councilor to Shanghai had visited Jiangsu province and signed the MoU with us”,

Mr. Cong added.

It is also stated that the General Secretary of Jiangsu Province visited Ethiopia and signed

MoU of cooperation with Oromia Region a few years ago.

Ato Wubie Mengistu, Deputy General Secretary of ECCSA, on his part stated that ECCSA has

various responsibilities given by law and established by proclamation to perform different

activities for the private sectors. Ato Wubie further stated that ECCSA supports the private

sectors to have international market linkages and business information with different parts

of the world including China and hence ECCSA wants to implement the MoU signed with

CCPIT by receiving and exchanging information with such big delegation.

There was a presentation on the role of ECCSA in promoting trade and investment in

Ethiopia and the relationship between Ethiopia and China. Some of the members of the

delegation described their company and asked questions for further information.

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ECCSA Holds Meeting with Moroccan Delegation

The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) held a discussion

with the Moroccan delegation of 12 members headed by Mrs. Nezha Alaoui M’Hammdi,

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Ethiopia at the Board room on July 10, 2017.

The aim of the meeting is to discuss on how Moroccan companies participate on the 10th

Ethio-Chamber International Trade Fair as an Exhibiter and attend Ethio-Morocco Business

Forum with a special match making program in line with the trade fair. It is also aimed at

discussing on how to establish a business council between the two countries.

Mrs. Nezha Alaoui M’Hammdi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Ethiopia, said

that they have the same objectives to develop and strengthen their trade and economic ties

of the two nations. The ambassador further said that the two nations have many activities

to work together; for example, organizing trade fairs, different kind of business forums and

meetings to mobilize the private sectors, establishing business council as the MOU was

signed during the Majesty’s visit to Ethiopia. “We are therefore here to implement what

was signed and committed to develop our business in front of the Heads of the two

countries six months ago”, Mrs. Nezha added.

Ato Wubei Mengistu, Deputy Secretary General of ECCSA, on his part said that ECCSA is

very interested to work with Moroccans in doing business in partnership and venture,

organizing a business forum to address our common interests and exchange business

information, organizing trade fairs and B2B meetings to promote products and services

and informing the business communities at large. Ato Wubei informed the delegation about

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how ECCSA was established and structured and its responsibilities and activities carried

out. The Deputy Secretary General also said that joint action plan has to be prepared first in

order to undertake the activities of the two businesses effectively and efficiently.

It is also stated that ECCSA will take the initiative to prepare the draft of joint action plan

which will be commented and developed by the Moroccan side.

The two sides discussed on the issues openly and agreed to sign the joint action plan,

organize the business to business meeting and forum and establish business council of the

two countries during the Ethio-Chamber International Trade Fair to be held in the

upcoming October.

ECCSA Holds Meeting on Rehabilitation of Saudi Repatriates

The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) organized a

meeting on June 24, 2017 at Hilton Hotel and discussed with the representatives of the

local business companies on how to rehabilitate the returnees from Saudi Arabia.

The meeting entertained various issues on how the private sector should work together

and contribute its part for supporting the efforts being exerted to rehabilitate the

returnees.

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It was stated that some of the returnees who need to be rehabilitated are coming back to

their homeland, Ethiopia, without any money and property, since the situation was

unexpected and urgent for them.

The participants discussed on the issue openly and stood firmly to support the returnees as

much as they could. Accordingly, different options on how to support the returnees

urgently and sustainably were proposed. Donating cashes and materials, providing

trainings, creating job opportunities for the returnees and hiring them in one’s company

are some of the kinds of supports proposed by the participants. The Pledge forms to be

filled in were distributed to the representatives of the private companies.

After discussing on various issues and options concerning on how to support the returnees,

the participants formed a committee, which, representing the private sector, is going to

undertake, coordinate and follow up activities related to the rehabilitation of the returnees.

It is noted that ECCSA organized this kind of discussion for the second time on similar

issues.

China (Shenzhen)-Ethiopia Trade and Investment Promotion Meeting said to Enhance Economic Cooperation

The China (Shenzhen) - Ethiopia Trade and Investment Promotion Meeting and Shenzhen

Products Show organized by the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral

Associations (ECCSA) in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Addis Ababa and China

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Council for the Promotion of International Trade was held on June 19, 2017 at Hilton Addis

Ababa Hotel.

The event was aimed to further expand the trade and investment relation of Ethiopia and

China (Shenzhen) and to promote Shenzhen products and services to Ethiopian market.

In his remarks, Ato Tadesse Haile, State Minister of Economic Sector in Prime Minister’s

Office, said that the government of Ethiopia is focusing on building labor intensive

industries by attracting leading manufacturers both local and foreign that largely produce

for the export market.

The State minister underlined that the all-round Ethiopia-China economic and

development cooperation as well as bilateral ties currently could be cited as one of the

most exemplary diplomatic relations in Ethiopia. China has thus become the largest foreign

investor and trading partner of Ethiopia and now many Chinese companies and projects

are operating in different sectors in Ethiopia, Ato Tadesse added.

Ato Solomon Afework, President of ECCSA, on his part stated that ECCSA has been making a

good opportunity to the private sector operators for experiencing the overall dynamics of

global trade through different platforms like this which will open the opportunity to

further strengthening cooperation between companies of the two nations and generate

new business opportunities. He further stated that ECCSA feels more at ease and friendly

with Chinese businesses and pays due respect to the significant economic achievement of

the Republic of China because China managed to marvel the whole world by becoming

among the biggest economy in relatively a short period of time. Ato Solomon added that

Chinese consumers and industrial products are flooding Ethiopian market due to its

comparatively cheap price and wide variety.

On the event, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Shenzhen companies and

Ethiopian companies were signed and Shenzhen products were also showcased and visited.

High level officials from both countries, over sixty six Chinese business companies and

more than one hundred sixteen Ethiopian companies engaging in various sectors

participated on the meeting.

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Finnish Companies seek Ethiopian Business Partners

The Finland- Ethiopia Partnership meeting, which was organized by the Ethiopian

Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) and the Finnish Embassy to

Ethiopia jointly, held on June 13, 2017 at Hilton Hotel.

The meeting was aimed to develop future partnerships between the two businesses in

trade and investment.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Helena Airaksinen, Ambassador of Finnish Embassy to

Ethiopia said that the relationship between Finland and Ethiopia is a long lasting one since

1965 when the embassy has been opened in Addis Ababa.

Finnish business delegation is here at this event to networking, share experiences and

business information with the Ethiopian companies in order to cooperate more in the

future and to tap the potentials of Ethiopia as a business partner, the Ambassador added.

Ato Solomon Afework, President of ECCSA on his part stated that despite the long standing

relations of Ethiopia and Finland, the trade ties between them have been minimal which

requires due concern of both sides.

The President further stated that the meeting, therefore, would be an important

development for the relationship between the two countries and for the possible

partnerships between their respective companies to allow a fast-track for business, trade

and investment cooperation.

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The business to business meeting between the companies of the two sides was arranged in

order to establish a strong link and network for their future business partnership.

Ethiopian and Finnish high level officials, six Finnish business companies, and over 25

representatives from Ethiopian private sector have participated on the meeting.

Forum Said to Further Consolidate the Bilateral Cooperation of the Two Countries

The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) in collaboration

with the Indonesian Embassy to Ethiopia organized the Indonesia-Ethiopia Business Forum

on June 12, 2017 at Hilton Hotel.

The aim of the forum was stated to further consolidate the existing bilateral cooperation so

as to develop investment, trade and economic relation between Indonesia and Ethiopia.

Mr. Imam Santoso, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Ethiopia, said that

Indonesian most well-known products in Ethiopian market are paper products, instant

noodle, soap, and car battery, medicines, electronics and other more products suitable for

Ethiopian markets, which are contributing to increase the trade relations between

Indonesia and Ethiopia.

The Ambassador underlined that taking into account the wish of the Indonesian

government to have s Preferential Tariff Agreement with the Ethiopian government; the

economic relations between the two countries will also be heightened in the future. This

forum will further introduce and improve the market access of Indonesian-made products

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and certainly increase the number of Indonesian companies in investing in Ethiopia, Mr.

Imam added.

Mr. Minotardjo Halim, Chairman of Permanent Committee in Africa-Indonesian Chamber of

Commerce and Industry, said that this forum is a very good moment for the Indonesian

delegation to participate after Memorandum of Understanding between the two chambers

of Indonesia and Ethiopia was signed at Jakarta. A lot of Indonesian business people are

seeking for the opportunity to do business and to investment in Ethiopia, the Chairman

added.

Ato Solomon Afework, President of ECCSA on his part stated that the Ethiopian Chamber of

Commerce and Sectoral Associations have been making a good opportunity to the business

community for experiencing the overall import-export dynamics of global trade, sharing of

knowledge and skill and also promoting their products across the world through different

platforms like this event. The President further stated that such events are an important

tool to gear towards creating a dynamic private sector within the two sisterly countries

whose joint effort will bring about continuous development of economic relations.

On the forum, presentations under the titles “Doing Business in Ethiopia” and “Indonesian

Eximbank” were presented. Business to business session in which both the Indonesian

business delegation and their Ethiopian counterparts discussed on the ways they would do

businesses was also arranged.

Ethiopian and Indonesian high ranking officials, Indonesian business companies, and

representatives from Ethiopian private sector have participated on the event.

In the morning of June 12, 2017, before the official opening of this business forum, the

Indonesian delegation also held a discussion with ECCSA on how to strengthen their

bilateral economic cooperation and various issues at the Board Room of the Chamber.

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ECCSA Holds Discussion with Moroccan Delegation

Ato Endalkachew Sime, Secretary General of the

Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral

Associations (ECCSA), held a discussion with the

Moroccan delegation at his office on 8th of June,

2017.

The main objective of the meeting was discussing

on how to a business forum, part of the 10th

Ethio-Chamber International Trade Fair to be held at the end of the upcoming October, is

going to be organized by Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations and

the Embassy of Morocco to Ethiopia jointly.

Mrs. Nezha Alaoui M’Hammdi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Ethiopia, said

that Morocco is developing its economic diplomacy especially with Ethiopia because the

Moroccan government considers Ethiopia as a hub for economy and private sector. The

Ambassador further said that Ethiopia is not only a big market but also a promising

country in terms of our frame work for investment.

The Secretary General on his part stated that since Ethiopia needs economic structural shift

from agricultural led to industrial led, it is trying to develop manufacturing sector using

different techniques and mechanisms. Ethiopians need to learn much how to operate, how

to manage, how to connect with the business and to nurture innovations that detects to

markets from countries like Morocco which has a very organized, consolidated and

centralized manner in managing the industrial parks, Ato Endalkachew added.

The two sides discussed briefly about the objective of the proposed business forum, the

companies which are going to participate, how the forum is processed, organized and

accomplished jointly by the two countries.

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The 1st Ethiopian Business Run Colorfully Celebrated

The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and

Sectoral Associations (ECCSA), in

partnership with Federal Ministry of

Industry (MoI), organized the 1st

Ethiopian Business Run which was

colorfully celebrated last Sunday 4th June

of 2017 here in Addis.

On the road race which started and ended at Meskel Square of Addis Ababa, covering

5k.m. about 2600

participants comprised

from various public

organizations such as

Ministry of Industry (MoI),

Ministry of Trade (MoT),

Federal Metal and

Engineering Corporation

and about 41 companies such as Medroc Technology Group, Ayka Addis Textile, Saba

HAR Plc., among others, participated.

The event was intended and organized to achieve the objective of raising the public

awareness on the country’s course of

industrialization and promote the role

and engagement of the business

community in the industry sector.

Addis Ababa Hilton Hotel, SBG

Industries Plc. (Archi water), Dangote

Cement, Derba Cement, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Anchor Milk, Midroc Technology

Group and Ahadu Plc. Sponsored the event.

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3rd Ethiopia-Germany Business Forum Held in Hannover and Stuttgart of Germany

Ethiopian delegation comprising 31 businesses attends the meeting

Ethiopian delegation consisting of 31 Ethiopian businesses headed by Dr. Mebrahtu Meles,

State Minister of Ministry of Industry of the F.D.R. of Ethiopia, partook on the 3rd Ethiopia-

Germany business forum held from May 31-June 1, 2017 in Stuttgart and Hannover cities of

Germany. Ato Endalkachew Sime, Secretary General of Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce

and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA), has represented the Ethiopian business community

together with ECCSA board member Ato Feyissa Ararsa and ECCSA Women and Youth

Business Support Division W/ro Tiruwork Tizazu.

The aim of the forum, as Ato Endalkachew explained, is to further strengthen the existing

bilateral economic relations of the two countries through promotion of Trade and

Investment

During the forum period, Ato Endalkachew Sime has paneled two issues: “Trade and

Finance” and “Textile and Leather: the Global Trend and Africa-Ethiopia Opportunities” in

Hannover and Stuttgart cities respectively on which panel discussions were entertained.

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Similarly, ECCSA and IHK-Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Germany conducted

partnership meeting on which ECCSA has presented a comprehensive five years

partnership project proposal. The overall objective of the project, as the Secretary General

explained, is to improve the capacity of Chambers of Commerce and Sectoral Associations

and competitiveness of the private sector with a specific focus on Small and Medium

Enterprises (SMEs), employment creation and promotion of entrepreneurship in Ethiopia.

Around two hundred German businesses also met with Ethiopian counterparts on the

couple of events, and this is expected to offer opportunities for both sides to conclude new

business ventures.

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ECCSA Holds Meeting on Current National Issues

The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) organized a short

meeting and discussed with the representatives of the private companies on the First

Ethiopian Business Run and other National current issues on May 19, 2017 at Hilton Hotel.

On the meeting, open discussion on the implementation and participation of the First

Ethiopian Business Run were deliberated on. The discussion also included on how the

private sector should cooperate to support the Returnees from Saudi Arabia and those who

are venerable to drought.

As far as the business run , which is aimed to raise the public awareness on the country’s

course of industrialization and promote the role and engagement of the domestic business

community in the industry sector, it is said that t-shirts and other publications are about to

be published. The sponsors are requested to inform number of t-shirts they need and to

bring their logo to be stamped on them.

After discussing on various issues and options regarding on how to support and finance the

returnees and those who are most affected by drought, the participants agreed to form a

committee whose members will be nominated from the business companies to carryout

and handle the fund raising and the support in kind.

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Training being conducted on Business Environment Scanning

The Ethiopian Private

Sector Development Hub

(PSD Hub) and The

Ethiopian Chamber

Academy (ECA), under the

Ethiopian Chamber of

Commerce and Sectoral

Associations (ECCSA), are

co-organizing training on

Business Environment

Scanning from May 18-19,

2017 at the board room of ECCSA.

The training is aimed to develop the understanding and the skills of Business

Membership Organizations (BMOs) to regularly scan the business environment and

formulate regional as well as national issues as inputs for Regional and National

Business Agenda. The training is also stated to enable participants to provide evidence

based recommendations for government so as to improve the operating environment

for business growth.

The two day long training is being offered by R&D Group based on the titles:

Introduction to Business Environment Scanning, Business Environment Scanning

Tools, Data analysis and Action Plans Tools.

Questions, answers, comments and group discussions are being entertained in order to

make the training sessions more interactive and attractive.

The participants representing ECCSA members are partaking the training.

The training is supported and financed by Sweden International Development Agency

(SIDA).

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Members of Kenya - Samburu County Assembly Receive Training in Ethiopia

The Ethiopian Chamber Academy (ECA), the

academy under the Ethiopian Chamber of

Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA),

organized a three day long training from May

15-17, 2017 to 10 members of Samburu

County Assembly of Kenya on finance and

budgeting performance skills at the board

room of ECCSA.

The goal of the workshop was aimed at enhancing the skill development of the trainees

so as to help them support in their activities, as the trainees are members of the

committee on budgeting in the county.

Speaking on the certification ceremony, Ato Endalkachew Sime, Secretary General of

ECCSA, expressed his feeling that his chamber has a special place to Kenya because of

the various reasons that the government of Ethiopia and Kenya have a very special

economic interest of bringing their economies together. Recalling that the Ethiopian

government signed a special status agreement with Kenyan government unlike any

other African countries and following the special status agreement, ECCSA signed MoU

with its Kenyan counterparts so far, the S.G. witnessed the training as one of the signs

of cooperation materialized between the two neighboring countries.

Stating that it is the first of its kind when the Chamber Academy organizes training like

this to foreign trainees, the S.G. forwarded his appreciation that Samburu County of

Kenya took the initiative to take the training. “We have a very big plan of developing

this training wing of the national chamber at different areas both continentally and

internationally,” added Ato Endalkachew.

Mr. Stephen Letinina, County Secretary and Head of Public Service, Samburu County,

Kenya, who was heading the training team, on his part said that his team intended to

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take the training here in Ethiopia because they have been well informed that the

chamber of commerce in Ethiopia is a known institution for training specially on the

issue of budgeting. “The training,” said Mr. Stephen, “will bring good partnership

between the two governments because the two have already entered agreement by

signing MOU”.

The trainees also expressed their view that they had acquired the knowledge that

could go along with in assisting their work in the county.

The training was organized upon a request made by Samburu County Assembly of

Kenya, and it is the first of its kind when the Academy organizes training like this to

foreign trainees, said Ato Ameha Adege, Director of the Chamber Academy. The

training is provided by known experts from private consultants who are working in

various higher institutions in the country, said the

Director.

Mr. Stephen told us that the group of the members of

the Samburu County Assembly taking the training was

comprised of county assembly members and

executives.

On the third day of the training, the trainees received

their certificate of completion from the hands of the Secretary General of ECCSA.

Algerian Companies Show Interest to invest in Ethiopia

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The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) in

collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the First Ethiopia -

Algeria Business Form on May 15, 2017 at Intercontinental Hotel, Addis Ababa.

The aim of the forum was said to further enhance and strengthen trade and investment

relation between Ethiopia and Algeria to a better level.

On the forum, briefings on agro-industry parks in Ethiopia and trade exchanges

between the two countries were presented. The business to business session was also

arranged between businesses of the two sides.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Aklilu Hailemichael, State Minister of Ministry of Foreign

Affairs, said that the Algerian business delegation has come at the right time to discuss

on business and investment opportunities in Ethiopia. The State Minister noted that

Ethiopia is highly interested to enhance the existing warm relations with Algeria into

close economic ties. The current conducive atmosphere and the strong interest

between the two countries to foster the relations hence will help them to explore new

prospects of cooperation in all matters, Dr. Aklilu added.

Ato Solomon Afework, President of ECCSA, on his part stated that such kind of forums

between the business communities of different culture is pivotal for the creation of

market linkage and a means for transfer of technological innovations and sharing of

knowledge. The President elaborated that this event is an important tool to gear

towards creating a dynamic private sector within the two sisterly countries whose

joint effort will bring about continuous development of economic relations. Ato

Solomon also expressed his wish that ECCSA is delighted to encourage the Algerian

companies to invest in Ethiopia and to work with Ethiopian companies.

Ms. Afef Boutobba, Representative of Algerian Embassy to Ethiopia, said that Algeria

and Ethiopia have continued to maintain privileged historical relations based on

shared principles and values, inspired by the ideals of pan-Africanism and belonging to

the same continent, Africa. The active participation of the representatives of the two

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business communities on this forum, will allow the opening of new perspectives of

their bilateral economic cooperation, she added.

Ethiopian and Algerian high ranking government officials, 13 Algerian business

companies, and over 50 representatives from Ethiopian private sector have

participated on the forum.

ethiopian chamber of commerce and sectoral associations...

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