Japanese Companies Showing Growing Interest to Explore Business Opportunities in Ethiopia

The Japanese Ambassador said that the two countries have a very long relationship on a wide range of issues, including economic development, political and cultural exchanges.

The Ethio-Japan Trade and Investment Symposium, which brought together Japanese companies from diverse areas to explore business opportunities in Ethiopia, yesterday is a manifestation of the forging economic ties between the two countries, he stated.

Currently 14 Japanese companies have invested in Ethiopia.

“We want to focus on economic issues, particularly on investment and trade,” the ambassador stressed.

According to Ambassador Shibata, Japanese companies often lack information about business opportunities in Ethiopia.

Therefore, events such as this symposium are important for understanding the country's reforms and business environment.

“Many Japanese companies are interested in doing business with Ethiopian companies and making investments in this country. But Japanese companies do not have so much information about Ethiopia. So I think the event was very meaningful and useful for Japanese companies to really get to know what's going on in Ethiopia.” 

He believes that the visit of Japanese companies could create diverse areas of cooperation.

This event, combined with Ethiopia's improved business environment, is crucial for both Ethiopia and foreign companies, including Japanese, to explore business opportunities.

Ambassador Shibata finally pointed out that the investment environment has much improved in comparison to, say, two to three years or four years ago.

“So, I think this year is very important here for Ethiopia and not only to Ethiopia but also to foreign companies to look for a chance to make investments.”