The Tenth Addis Chamber of Commerce International Trade Fair (ACITF) opened at the Addis Ababa Exhibition Centre yesterday with 165 Ethiopian and 125 foreign companies from 27 countries displaying products and services. Organised by the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce, the “Quality and Standards for Competitiveness” trade fair is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Bank of Ethiopia, Ethiopian Investment Commission, Ethiopian Airlines and the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation, amongst others, and was opened by Trade and Industry Minister, Girma Birru.

In his speech, Minister Girma said the development of trade is “recognised as one of the major areas for poverty reduction and national development.”

“The Ethiopian economy has enjoyed an export growth of 10.6%, 24% and 33% continuously over the last three years,” he said. “There has been significant growth in the import trade volume of Ethiopia as well."

"This is one of the basic indicators that the Ethiopian Economy is steadily growing. Trade Fairs of this type in such a growing economy, therefore, are a very good vehicle for technology transfer, new product development, promotion of investment and development of new markets.”

He went on to pledge the full support of the Government towards assisting the Chamber of Commerce and sectoral associations to fulfill their objectives.

Also in attendance was the President of the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectorial Associations (AACCSA) Eyesus-Work Zafu, who said that the main objective of the 10th ACITF, among others, was to “bring together individuals and enterprises engaged in manufacturing, agriculture, industry, commerce and the provision of services from all parts of the world. Here each exhibitor will have the unique opportunity of displaying one’s best products.”

He went on to say that as happened at previous Fairs, certain exhibitors will organise their own National Day, as a celebration of their culture, services and products. The Ethiopian Reflections Day, which will be comprised of a workshop jointly held by the Ethiopian Investment Agency, the Addis Chamber of Commerce and the Ethiopian Standards Agency, would be held at the Crown Hotel, and would be followed by a cultural evening, including a dinner for exhibitors and prospective investors.

The tenth Addis Chamber of Commerce International Trade Fair will run until 1^st March.

ENDS