Huge scope to expand trade between India & Ethiopia: Muraleedharan

New Delhi, Feb 17 : Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan on Wednesday said that even as trade and economic relations between India and Ethiopia are booming, there is still huge scope to expand and diversify trade between the two countries.
He was speaking at India-Ethiopia Business Forum organised by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) in honour of Ethiopia’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister Demeke Mekonnen who is visiting India along with his state minister for foreign affairs Birtukan Ayano Dadi.
“I invite Indian entrepreneurs to consider establishing high-quality educational institutions, of both technical and non-technical nature, in Ethiopia,” Muraleedharan said.
He said that the economy of Ethiopia, the second-most populous African country, which has been posting a double-digit growth rate for over 15 years together with its highly-educated, skilled populace and sound economic policies, makes it an attractive investment destination for Indian entrepreneurs.
Highlighting the expansion in economic collaboration between India and Ethiopia, the minister highlighted that despite the Covid-19 global pandemic, Indian businessmen continued to explore investment opportunities in the African country. “During the last one year, we have had 35 new Indian investments in Ethiopia.” The minister also expressed appreciation for the Ethiopian government’s effort in creating a congenial environment for foreign investments and in particular for facilitating Indian companies to invest in Ethiopia and carry on their business.