The Ethio-German business forum opened yesterday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The forum brings together over a hundred Ethiopian and German businesspeople. A delegation from the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg came to attend the forum.

The forum aims to strengthen business-to-business relations between the two countries and serve as a platform to consult on knowledge and technology transfer possibilities, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs made known. 

Getahun Mekuria (Ph.D.), Ethiopian Minister of Innovation and Technology, speaking at the opening of the forum, said Ethiopia and Germany need to further strengthen their relationship in investments that facilitate knowledge and technology transfer. Noting that over 69% of the Ethiopian population is aged under 30 and hence easily trainable, Dr. Getahun called on companies specifically in the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg to invest in sectors that have vast potential to create jobs, and utilize technology for productivity.

Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut (Ph.D.), Economic Affairs Minister of the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, called attention to his state's reputation as the leader of creative work in Europe, underscoring the mutual benefits of working closely with Ethiopia. She observed Ethiopia is on the path to "becoming a hub for the economic development of East Africa in the future."

Dr. Hoffmeister-Kraut came to Ethiopia leading a 35-member delegation of companies and chamber organizations. 

Source: FBC