A two-day Ethiopian-Italian business forum, which has been going on for two days in Addis Ababa, has come to a conclusion today. The forum aimed at further strengthening economic ties between Ethiopia and Italy.

During his remark at the opening ceremony, Aklilu Hailemichael, Ethiopian State Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: “Italy is one of the major destinations of Ethiopian exports in Europe and a source of tourists every year to Ethiopia.”

Highlighting that Ethiopia has much to learn from Italy especially in the sectors of light manufacturing, agro-processing, and textile industry, Dr. Aklilu emphasized that “Ethiopia and Italy have [a] symbolic relationship in terms of infrastructure and this should be extended effectively in other areas.”

Emanuela Del Re, Italian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on her part, said the forum serves to show that the tie between Ethiopia and Italy is going strong.

The business forum brought together for discussion 150 Ethiopian and 50 Italian companies working in agro-processing, infrastructure, textile, and leather industries.

“The involvement of so many Italian institutions in the forum is a tangible sign of our commitment towards Ethiopia,” Ms. Del Re applauded.

The diplomatic tie between Ethiopia and Italy marks 130 years this year.

Source: Walta Info