Focus Group Discussion for upcoming Policy Briefs on tax, customs, forex and access to land held
On April 11 and 12, 2023, the European chamber in collaboration with the BEIC-GIZ project, which is funded by the EU, organized a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Addis Ababa. The FGD aimed to gather data on four thematic studies the European chamber is conducting, which are in the areas of customs, domestic tax, access to land for FDI outside of the industrial zones, and forex. The FGD brought together independent experts, representatives of various member companies, and relevant government agencies.
The outcome of the FGD will complement the survey and interview data that have been collected and compiled already. A final report on the four thematic areas is being finalized and will be made available for validation in the coming weeks. European chamber sincerely appreciates the active participation of all member companies as well as government agencies throughout the process of the study. Four policy briefs will be drawn out from the outcome of the studies.
Annual Joint Workshop with Customs Commission Held
On February 23, 2023, the European Union Business Forum in Ethiopia (EUBFE) held a joint workshop with the Ethiopian Customs Commission (ECC), together with its member associations, ENLBA and CAFÉ to address the concerns and issues raised by its members companies.
The workshop addressed key issues raised by member companies in the areas of valuation, classification, Franco Valuta, and the Ethiopian Single Window system. The various directors representing different directorates of the ECC addressed these issues and highlighted their ongoing efforts to improve their services. Participants were encouraged to provide feedback and opinions, ensuring an effective and collaborative consultation.The Q&A session at the end allowed participants to gain further clarity on the topics discussed. This joint workshop is an extension of EUBFE’s effort to support dialogue and engagement between key players in the investment climate and member companies with the aim of creating a thriving business climate Ethiopia.
Eurocham Launched Two Policy Briefs on the Occasion of Signing of MoU
EU Business Forum in Ethiopia launched two policy briefs on the same occasion that saw it sign a memorandum of understanding with Ministry of Industry in the presence of HE Hassen Moalin-State Minister on January 30, 2023. Also in attendance were HE Semereta Sewasew State Minister of Finance, HE Lelise Neme- Commissioner, Ethiopian Investment Commission, HE Roland Kobia, Ambassador of EU to Ethiopia and HE Temesgen Tilahun-EIC Deputy Commissioner. The event attracted more than one hundered twenty guests from member state embassies, various ministries, development partners, sister associations as well as all members of Eurocham and its member associations.
The two policy brief entitled: ” Sourcing from the Source-Utilizing FDI to Tackle Ethiopia’s FDI Challenge” analyzes the potential for local sourcing as a solution to the foreign exchange conundrum. The second policy brief “Accelerating Ethiopia’s Transformation-Rethinking the Strategic Role of mid-to-small Scale FDI” advocates for strategy for positioning mid-to-small scale FDI within the development strategy of Ethiopia and enact investment promotion and facilitation accordingly. The recommendations made in the policy briefs will be the basis for engagement between Eurocham and the various government agencies in the coming months. Full content of the policy briefs can be downloaded via links below.
Policy Brief: Sourcing from the Source: Utilizing FDI to Tackle FX Challenge
Policy Brief: Accelerating Ethiopia’s Transformation: Rethinking the Strategic Role of Mid-to-Small Scale FDI