The first Halal and Tourism Expo was launched in Addis Ababa on Monday in the presence of officials, religious leaders, and other stakeholders. The expo was opened by the Minister of Agriculture Oumer Hussien who stated that the expo had a significant role in promoting the country’s potential in the halal industry sector.

The Minister said that Ethiopia had a great potential to enter the Middle East market in meat and other agricultural products. Ethiopia’s geographical proximity to the Middle East was also raised as one potential advantage country could exploit to reach the Arab world.

Ambassador Nassie Challi, Minister of Tourism, on her part stated that the Halal industry could be utilized to promote Ethiopian tourism to the Middle East. State Minister of Foreign Affairs also stressed that the industry would help to promote Islamic tourism attraction sites of Ethiopia to countries in the Middle East.

The expo which is held at Sheraton Hotel is part of the Eid-to-Eid program. It will conclude on Wednesday, August 10.

The Eid-to-Eid program is an initiative which provides opportunities for the diaspora to participate in national development and growth activities.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency and Fana BC

Additional Source: Daily Sabah

Image Source: Ethiopian News Agency