European Union Business Forum Ethiopia

The EU Business Forum in Ethiopia aims to facilitate operations for EU companies doing business in Ethiopia.
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Advocacy
On February 23, 2023, the European Union Business Forum in...
Advocacy
EU Business Forum in Ethiopia launched two policy briefs on the same...
News
As part of the semi-annual meeting of Eurpean chambers in third...
Dialogue
EUBFE board of management held productive consultative meeting with...

EUBFE was elected to the board of European Business Organization Worldwide Network

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On the conclusion of the annual summit of European Chambers in third countires, held under the umbrella of the EBOWWN (European Business Organisations Worldwide Network), EUBFE was elected to the board of management to serve the network for the coming two years representing Africa-based European chambers. The summit which took place in Brussels from June 06-10 2022 via the support of European Commission's DG GROW (Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs), saw European chambers engage with various Directorate Generals of the commission on pertinent issues faced by European companies in third markets. The first two days were dedicated for African EBOs (European Business Organisations), whereby the eleven chambers exchanged best practices and pledged to create a strong African chapter that can engage with external partners in a structured manner.
 
From 16-18 June, the various EBOs from  across the globe met and discussed with DG Trade, DG INTPA, DG , Business Europe, EuroChamber and DG CLIMA. The discussions with the various representatives of the commission informed the ensuing key steps of the network as well as create clarity on the depth of European businesses represented by this network. The last day of the summit was dedicated to AGM of EBOWWN members where the outgoing board presented its activity and financial reports, followiing which new board was elected. EUBFE was elected to lead the African voice given its stature and experience both in-country as well as on regional matters.

EUBFE Launched Its Maiden Business Climate Report and Signed MoU with Ministry of Finance

Cover PageIMG 20220407 145953 408Nahom F. Abraham-EUBFE Executive Director
 
 
 

On April 6, 2022 EUBFE launched its maiden “Business Climate Report-2021” in the presence of high-level officials including H.E. State Minister of Finance H.E. Mrs. Semereta Sewasew, H.E.Mrs. Lelise Neme-EIC commissioner, H.E. Ambassador Roland Kobia-EU Ambassador to Ethiopia and H.E. Kassahun Gofe, State Minister of the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration. 

 

The report was developed in response to the need to bolster public-private dialogue between the FDI community and the public sector with evidence-based input that would, in turn foster constructive and sustainable partnership. The report's findings will be used as the foundation for further analyses and studies that will inform ensuing PPDs between the FDI community and the government. Preparation to this end has been completed, with relevant resources already mobilized. The EUBFE business climate report is based on a survey of more than 80 European businesses with operations in Ethiopia, conducted in mid-2021. It was commissioned and managed by EUBFE, and supported by the two bilateral member associations; the French Business Association in Ethiopia (CAFE) and Ethiopia-Netherlands Business Association (ENLBA).

The report provides an up-to-date assessment of the Ethiopian business environment and investment climate by the international business community, with clear evidence on what the active international business community think about their Ethiopian investments as of mid-2021, and how they view prospects for future investment. The cooperation of government ministries and agencies was commendable throughout the study, with pertinent data extended to the experts in a timely fashion. The key challenges identified were in the areas of tax, customs, delay in the renewal of licenses, access to foreign exchange, unpredictability of the business climate. With the support of the EU, further studies and analyses will be made on these findings to develop clear policy recommendations. 

 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Finance and EUBFE (including its member associations CAFE, and ENLBA) was also signed during the launch ceremony. The MoU will pave the way for a structured dialogue between the European FDI community and the ministry. Mrs. Semerata Sewasew signed the MoU on behalf of the Ministry of Finance. 

 

A panel discussion was held following the MoU signing ceremony, ENLBA and CAFÉ presidents as well as the EU Ambassador and EIC deputy commissioner-Ato Temesgen Tilahun, exchanged views on the finding of the report and related issues on ways of improving the business climate. The evening concluded with a cocktail reception an informal networking session. 

 
You my access the full content of the report via the link below.

Cover Page

 

 

 

On April 6, 2022 EUBFE launched its maiden “Business Climate Report-2021” in the presence of high-level officials including H.E. State Minister of Finance H.E. Mrs. Semereta Sewasew, H.E.Mrs. Lelise Neme-EIC commissioner, H.E. Ambassador Roland Kobia-EU Ambassador to Ethiopia and H.E. Kassahun Gofe, State Minister of the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration. 

The report was developed in response to the need to bolster public-private dialogue between the FDI community and the public sector with evidence-based input that would, in turn foster constructive and sustainable partnership. The report's findings will be used as the foundation for further analyses and studies that will inform ensuing PPDs between the FDI community and the government. Preparation to this end has been completed, with relevant resources already mobilized. The EUBFE business climate report is based on a survey of more than 80 European businesses with operations in Ethiopia, conducted in mid-2021. It was commissioned and managed by EUBFE, and supported by the two bilateral member associations; the French Business Association in Ethiopia (CAFE) and Ethiopia-Netherlands Business Association (ENLBA).

The report provides an up-to-date assessment of the Ethiopian business environment and investment climate by the international business community, with clear evidence on what the active international business community think about their Ethiopian investments as of mid-2021, and how they view prospects for future investment. The cooperation of government ministries and agencies was commendable throughout the study, with pertinent data extended to the experts in a timely fashion. The key challenges identified were in the areas of tax, customs, delay in the renewal of licenses, access to foreign exchange, unpredictability of the business climate. With the support of the EU, further studies and analyses will be made on these findings to develop clear policy recommendations. 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Finance and EUBFE (including its member associations CAFE, and ENLBA) was also signed during the launch ceremony. The MoU will pave the way for a structured dialogue between the European FDI community and the ministry. Mrs. Semerata Sewasew signed the MoU on behalf of the Ministry of Finance. 

A panel discussion was held following the MoU signing ceremony, ENLBA and CAFÉ presidents as well as the EU Ambassador and EIC deputy commissioner-Ato Temesgen Tilahun, exchanged views on the finding of the report and related issues on ways of improving the business climate. The evening concluded with a cocktail reception an informal networking session. 

 

You my access the full content of the report via the link below.

EUBFE Business Climate Report-2021

 

EUBFE Held Consultative Meeting with EIC Followed by End of the Year Cocktail Reception

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EUBFE board of management held productive consultative meeting with the Ethiopian Investment Commissioner HE Commissioner Lelise Neme and Deputy Commissioner Daniel Teressa, in the presence of EU Ambassador to Ethiopia Roland Kobia. Also in the consultation was H.E Ambassador Ababi Demissie, Director General for Foreign Direct Investment and Technology Transfer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The consultation revolved around existing challenges faced by member companies and plans for engagement in the coming year 2023. The major issues discussed were sporadic insecurities in some localities faced by some member companies, cement and fuel supply challenges, foreign exchange shortage, customs and tax related issues. The EIC commissioner in her response appreciated the initiative to hold a consultation of this nature and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to continue to support European FDI in general and EUBFE members specifically. To this end, it was agreed that bolstering partnership in the spirit of public-private-dialogue will be key focus in the coming year. In this connection, a joint platform that will be co-chaired by EIC commissioner and the EU Ambassador was established, and it will follow up on all issues raised at the consultation on a quarterly basis.

Following the consultative meeting, cocktail reception was hosted at the rooftop of the commission’s headquarters, where the outcome of the meeting was communicated to EUBFE members by the commissioner and the board chairperson of EUBFE.

EUBFE Held Meeting with Ministry of Finance

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EUBFE delegation held meeting with the Minister of Finance- HE Ahmed Shide. Led by the head of cooperation at the EU Delegation Mr. Erik Habers, EUBFE representatives, composed of board chair, executive director and presidents of bilateral member associations presented a summary of the major achievements of EUBFE in its advocacy engagement with a number of ministires. Moreover, the EUBFE delegation outlined keen interest to establish a sustained and structured platform with the Ministry Finance, where the concerns and challenges of member companies can be addressed. Stressing EUBFE's mission of improving the doing business climate in the country, it is currenlty engaged in producing empirical studies that aid policy interventions to this end.
HE Mr. Ahmed Shide on his part appreciated the initiative of EUBFE and outlined key econnomic reforms that led to the opening of the country's economy to FDI. He pledged to assist in resolving any bottlenecks member companies face. The meeting concluded by establishing a team from both sides that would overlook the formalisation of relationship between MoF and EUBFE that would get regular consultation gain traction.  
 
 

Ethiopian Finance Minister, Ahmed Shide held talks today with EUBFE delegation led by the Cooperation Head for EU Delegation to Ethiopia, Erik Habers, on ways of strengthening financial and economic cooperation between the two sides.

During the meeting, the two sides are ready to work for a favorable investment climate in Ethiopia through the joint forum.

EUBFE representatives have also pledged to help Ethiopia to become an ideal investment destination and regular talks will be held with the Ministry of Finance to achieve this goal.

Finance Minister Ahmed Shide said on his part Ethiopia attaches great importance to its cooperation with the European Union and other European countries.

He further stated that Ethiopia is committed to working closely with the EUBFE and having a consultative meeting at least twice a year for the benefit of both parties. 

Speaking on the ongoing economic reform that Ethiopia has embarked on, Ahmed noted that the reforms are being intensified and the government is committed to increasing the participation of the private sector in the reform process.

He stated the recent involvement of private sectors as well as foreign companies with strong experience and potential in the telecom sector of the country as a showcase of the government’s commitment in this regard.

The Minister told the delegates that essential efforts will be made by the Ministry of Finance to ease all forms of bottlenecks that faced EUBFE member companies in their day-to-day activities in Ethiopia.

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