On Wednesday this week (October 24^th) Prime Minister Hailemariam held discussions with domestic and foreign businessmen involved in industry investment and development. Also present were representatives of international development partners and trade attachés from investment source countries. In all about eight hundred participants were present to hear the Prime Minister stress that the government would provide the necessary support to investors engaged in the industry sector in a bid to realize the Growth and Transformation Plan and thereby enable the country become a middle-level economy. In response to questions the Prime Minister said the government was committed to supporting the business sector and to solving problems and challenges relating to tax and customs. He said the government was aware of the existing problems in the sectors related to transportation, logistics, land, power supply and port services, and was working to resolve these problems. He added that the government was also aware of illegal activities of some investors trying to obtain unlawful wealth. The Prime Minister promised to meet twice a year with business investors with a view to discuss and resolve problems encountered in the industry sector.  The discussions on Wednesday were a continuation of previous meetings between government and business, with the aim of reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthen and maintain the performance of the Growth and Transformation Plan, as well as create awareness among businessmen of their indispensable role in the implementation of the Plan and create a consensus for action. Ideas from participants will be used as input for the development of service delivery system and to improve the legal and policy framework of business operations.

Source:http://www.mfa.gov.et/news/more.php?newsid=1331

PM Hailemariam discussing with Investors