By Kassahun Chanie
British Trade Commissioner for Africa, John Humphrey, visited Ethiopia this week to engage with UK businesses, government partners, and key stakeholders. Humphrey’s visit was mainly aimed at firming up trade ties between Ethiopia and the UK, while at the same time exploring opportunities for growth following Ethiopia’s recent economic reforms.
While in Addis Ababa between 16 - 18 September, Humphrey met up with representatives of UK businesses who have put themselves down to help diversify and enrich Ethiopia’s economic landscape.
He also held discussions with Brook Taye, CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holdings, to explore opportunities for further collaboration and investment.
The Trade Commissioner also joined the UK’s Agri-Business Trade Mission to Ethiopia, where UK companies and Ethiopian government partners came together to bat back and forth the future of agribusiness and pore over potential partnerships in agriculture. As part of this trade mission, he attended a signing ceremony between Pharo Ventures and Gondar Agriculture Research Centre for a seed multiplication project. The mission highlighted the UK’s commitment to furthering collaborations in key sectors that promote sustainable economic growth.
On his last day in Addis 18 September, the Commissioner visited Ethiopian Airlines, a member of the Star Alliance & Africa’s leading airliner, and saw their impressive facilities. He discussed areas for closer partnerships with Ethiopian Airlines’ COO, Retta Melaku.
This visit reaffirms the UK’s dedication to strengthen bilateral trade ties with Ethiopia, and comes at a pivotal time, as the country undertakes significant reforms.//