The Ethio-Japan Investment forum was held on Monday in Tokyo, at the headquarters of the Japan External Trade Office (JETRO),following the conclusion of the TICAD V summit, according to the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Tedros Adhanom, in his address at the forum underscored the successful and strategic partnership between Ethiopia and Japan. However, he pointed out that the trade and investment relation between the two countries is unsatisfactory and invited investors to take opportunities in the country's dynamic growth.

Hiroyuki Ishige, Chairperson of JETRO, explained the support afforded by JETRO to Japanese investors interested in investing in Africa. He also announced JETRO's plan to increase its number of offices in Africa to boost its support for Japanese businesses to thrive Africa.

State Minister of Finance and Economic Development Abraham Tekeste briefed the participants of the forum about the overall state Ethiopian economy and the investment climate of the country. He mentioned, Ethiopia's political stability, sound macroeconomic policies, growing education which is producing huge number of skilled labor, and its more than 85 million population with a growing middle class presents a unique investment opportunity.

Zemedeneh Negatu, Managing Partner of Earnest and Young Ethiopia office also explained investment opportunities in Ethiopia. He said Ethiopia is a country with least business risks in Africa and advised Japanese businesses to invest in Ethiopia. He also said that Japanese businesses can make Ethiopia a hub for the 600 million people market in the regional economic community, COMESA.

Ethiopia's Minister of Mines, Sinkinesh Ejigu was also in attendance at the event giving a presentation about investment opportunities in the mining sector in Ethiopia.

The Forum was organized by Japan External Trade Office, Wafa Marketing and Promotion and the Ethiopian Embassy in Japan.

Source: Walta