The United Arab Emirates (UAE) based automotive company, Al Ghandin Auto Group, opened a representative office in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, for the purpose of serving the East African market. The company intends to go fully operational by the coming October.

CEO of the Group, Graham Turner, commented, “We are one of the world’s biggest General Motors dealers but now, currently the company deals with vehicles, motors, machines and construction equipment. We set up this office to understand what our customers want, explore the market and build our relationships”.

It was five years ago Al Ghandin started working with distributors. Nonetheless, it now sees the need to open an office in order to serve its customers in a better manner. In addition to this, the company is also interested in exploring other investment opportunities in Ethiopia.

Managing Director of Al Ghandi Investment Company, Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, noted the other reason for establishing the representative office is to forward in terms of investment and see opportunities the nation has to offer for the company.

Saeed noted he has met with different Federal Government officials from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Ministry of Trade and the Privatization and Public Enterprises Supervising Authority (PPESA).

Al Ghandi’s representative stated his company wishes to move to the industrial sector in the long run and is planning to acquire an investment license.

Saeed explained, “A lot of the products we are selling, if they tend to get very popular here, we might think of convincing the original manufacturers to come here and do assembly here. That is long term strategy that is how we become part of your economy. We opened the office because we are looking at a very long term objective”.

Al Ghandin Auto Group has give divisions which offer automotive, industrial machines and equipment, car rental and leasing services, and vehicle testing facilities.

Source: Capital