Ashraf Siddiqui
DOHA
HE Feisel Aliyi Abrahim, ambassador of Ethiopia to State of Qatar has invited investors and traders to take advantage of Economic Reform Agenda of his country.
He was addressing the business community at the Third Ethiopian Investment Forum on Thursday held in collaboration with KON Diplomatic and Consultancy Firm at Hotel Hilton, West Bay Doha, which aimed at strengthening investment, trade, and tourism relations between Ethiopia and Qatar.
He said that both the countries enjoy strong ties since 1995, with over 30,000 Ethiopians living in Qatar.
The bilateral relationship has been strengthened through numerous agreements in areas such as economic cooperation and investment. Although Qatari engagement in Ethiopia remains limited, this forum seeks to bridge that gap.
He added that Ethiopia has signed 20 agreements with Qatar and is working on eight more, paving the way for greater cooperation. Our growing trade relationship, including exports like coffee and livestock, reflects the potential for further expansion. We invite Qatari businesses to join Ethiopia in its growth journey.
‘Ethiopia, with a population of over 126 million, is one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. Our GDP has consistently grown by an average of 10% annually, and we are on track to achieve middle-income status by 2025. This is a result of the dedication of our people and visionary leadership, Ethiopian envoy said.
Ambassador Feisel said that through the Home-Grown Economic Reform Agenda, Ethiopia is creating a private-sector-driven economy.
These reforms include opening all sectors to foreign investment, offering multi-year investment visas, improving investor protections, and streamlining processes through One-Stop-Shop services.
These reforms aim to make Ethiopia an attractive destination for investment in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, ICT, mining, energy, health, and banking.
Ethiopia also offers a range of incentives, including tax holidays, customs duty exemptions, and affordable land leases. Major infrastructure projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the Addis-Djibouti railway ensure reliable energy and efficient logistics, positioning Ethiopia as an ideal investment destination.
Ethiopia’s rich history of coexistence and harmony is reflected in its longstanding relationship with Islam.
The story of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sending his followers to seek refuge in Ethiopia under the rule of King Al-Najashi symbolizes the country’s legacy of interfaith respect.
He welcomed the investors from Qatar to Ethiopia not just as investors but as partners for the mutual benefit of both countries people.
Mohamed R. Massani, Partner and Chairman of KON Group and Aresawom Kelelaw Semagn, Economic Counselor at the Embassy of Ethiopia also addressed on the
occasion.
