ECCSA highlights importance of 22nd WEF in boosting trade relations among business communities

Addis Ababa, May 3 (WIC) – The 22nd World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa, which will take place in Addis Ababa, next week, would boost the trade relations among the business communities, according to the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association (ECCSA).

In an exclusive interview with WIC, ECCSA Secretary General, Gashaw Debebe, said the conference would also create opportunities to make Ethiopia a favored investment destination.

The Forum, to take place from 9-11 May 2012, would present great networking opportunities for Ethiopian investors as high profile business leaders from all parts of the globe are expected to attend the event.

Many big foreign companies and investors will attend the forum, thereby making it easier for Ethiopian business people to promote trade and investment opportunities available in Ethiopia. 

He said the forum would also assist Ethiopian business communities to share experience and knowledge that make them competent at the global level.

According to Gashaw, more than 70 American companies from South Africa alone are expected to take part at the forum.

He said the association has been carrying out awareness raising campaign to enable the business communities to take active part in the conference.  

More than 500 business people from Ethiopia are expected to participate in the conference, he said, adding over 50 companies have already registered to take part in the three-day conference.

Ethiopia was chosen to host the forum due to its ongoing fast economic growth and its conduciveness to investment, he said, adding participants of the forum need to promote Ethiopia’s investment potential by creating network with international companies.

He said the forum would assist the business community to share experience and knowledge that make them competent at the global level.

The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) is a non-profit, autonomous private sector organization responsible for trade promotion and private sector development.


Its mandate is to promote Ethiopia’s products to the world, develop international trade and promote investment in Ethiopia, thereby fostering the development of a vibrant and dynamic private sector in the country.


As an effective secretariat for the private sector, it also acts to defend the interests of the business community and acts as a bridge between the government and the private sector.