The Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, stated that the government is committed to boosting private sector investment, including in the transport, agribusiness finance, and energy sectors.
On the sidelines of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Spring Meetings being held in Washington D.C., a high-level delegation led by Ahmed Shide held discussions with the Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Makhtar Diop.
During the discussion, they conferred on the economic reforms Ethiopia is implementing and the ongoing improvements aimed at stimulating private sector investment.
Ahmed Shide provided an overview of the homegrown macroeconomic reform being implemented to modernize the economy and highlighted the significant performance achieved in establishing a market-oriented economy.
He specifically mentioned that the positive interest shown by investors engaged in the private sector has contributed to an increase in exports.
He further explained that the government is committed to promoting private sector investment, including in the transport, agribusiness finance, and energy sectors.
Considering the favorable macroeconomic environment currently established for the private sector in Ethiopia, they also discussed how the Corporation can further strengthen its efforts to support important and critical investments in the country.
For his part, the Managing Director commended Ethiopia's efforts to create a conducive environment for investment and indicated the need for continued efforts to further improve the investment climate and strengthen private sector-led comprehensive development.
He also expressed the Corporation's commitment to strengthening the necessary technical support and supporting investment efforts in Ethiopia by utilizing available options.
He added that the Corporation is ready to explore co-financing opportunities for the planned new international airport project with interested bilateral and multilateral development partners.
Information from the Ministry of Finance indicates that both sides agreed to strengthen their cooperation by working closely at both senior and technical levels on investment projects and critical investment opportunities.
According to ENA, the annual meetings of the financial institutions are expected to conclude today after making various decisions.