During the 4th Ethio-Canada Bilateral Consultation official of Ethiopia and Canada affirmed they will strengthen ties in the areas of trade and investment and also cement former deals.

According to the Foreign Minister American Affairs Director, Taye Aske Sellasie, Canada is the third top development partners of Ethiopia and it has been assisting Ethiopia in various development initiatives which are in line with the Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP) as well as the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs).

Taye further noted the Consultation was aimed at looking the gaps and major achievements secured by Ethiopia with regard to the eight MDGs it is working on by the bilateral assistance it gets from Canada.

Taye also marked representatives of the two countries will discuss ways on how to enhance trade and investment. 

The Canadian Ambassador to Ethiopia, David Usher, on his part noted Canada has been providing support to Ethiopia on different sectors. He also appreciated achievements made by Ethiopia.

Usher further noted Ethiopian Airlines’ flight to Canada three times a week is the best opportunity to cement and investment relation of the two countries. 

As per the delegates of Canada, they aspire to increase Canadians participation in the mining sector. In addition to this, they expressed their interest in empowering women in the sector via training. Currently, as the data from the Ministry of Mines indicate, there are 11 Canadian licensed investors in Ethiopia participating in the mineral and petroleum exploration.

In relation to trade relation the balance of trade the two countries is in favor of Canada even if there is some improvement.

Source: The Ethiopian Herald