A Belgian trade mission of 12 companies visited Ethiopia on January 12, 2014, Capital reported.

The event is sponsored by the Wallonia Agency for Trade and Investment, a Belgian governmental agency in charge of foreign trade promotion and Investment in Wallonia.

The business delegation which includes Celio International, discussed with 50 Ethiopian entrepreneurs opportunities in textiles, manufacturing, sugar, and agribusiness, according to Tom Neijens, First Secretary/ Deputy Head of Mission at the Belgian embassy.

“Some companies will come back to further explore, others already concluded some trade deals,” said Neijens in an online interview. “We are hoping to receive the announcement of a Belgian investment in an important sector soon.”

There are around 10 Belgian companies investing in Ethiopia. There are many more investors active as traders in coffee bean and other agricultural commodities. Most are active in the horticulture and flower business, Neijens said.

Source: Capital