ADDIS ABABA – More than 75 domestic and foreign companies are partaking as the Addis Ababa chamber of commerce launches its 25th edition Addis Chamber International Trade Fair.
Endalew Mekonnen, state minister for Trade & Regional Integration, opened the trade fair on Thursday together with the President of Addis Chamber Mesenbet Shenkute.
The five-day trade fair, organized under the theme “Enhanced Export for Sustainable Development’, is being held at the Addis Abeba Exhibition Centre.
in his remarks at the opening of the trade fair, State minister Endalew said that boosting national exports is the highest prerequisite of the government to achieve a projected 7.5% economic growth in the 2022/2023 fiscal year.
He said the private sector is a key partner in the bid to attain the projected growth.
“Trade fairs help exchange best practices and new business know-how,” he said. “The government considers the private sector and notably members of the Addis Chamber as strategic partners in the implementation of the national economic reform agenda.”
“It fully recognizes the works and services of Addis Chamber’s iconic international trade fairs in promoting trade and investment,” the state minister said.
The Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce & Sectoral Associations (AACCSA), which has over 17,000 members, is the largest and oldest chamber of commerce in Ethiopia.
Its President Mesenbet in her remarks at the opening of the trade fair, said the prospect of economic growth and diversification directly depends on the level of economic freedom in a country.
“We are hopeful the government would provide favorable, transparent, and predictable conditions for conducting business,” she said.
Mesenbet also urged local businesses to take advantage of the presence of notable firms including 53 foreign companies in one place and to share experiences, new technology, and know-how as well as explore possibilities of forging business partnerships.
The 25th edition Addis Chamber International Trade Fair will remain open until Monday, Feb 27, 2023.
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