Saudi business delegation in Ethiopia  

(MENAFN - Arab NewA 10-member Saudi business delegation, headed by Commerce and Industry Minister Abdullah Zainal Alireza, assessed investment opportunities in Ethiopia during its three-day visit that ended yesterday.

The delegation was given a warm welcome in Addis Ababa when it arrived at Bole International Airport on Monday, Ethiopian Consul General Tekleab Kebede told Arab News yesterday.

Ethiopian Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Hassen Abdela, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mohammed Dirir, and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the visiting group. Alireza said that the two countries had longstanding relations. "Currently, the relations between the governments and peoples of Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia are in good shape."

Saudi investors are engaged in various sectors in Ethiopia, he said, adding that they are also keen to explore the prospects of investment in the agriculture sector.

The delegation held discussion with Ethiopian senior government officials on investment promotion and protection.

Ethiopian ministers told the visiting Saudi delegation that their country was endowed with rich agricultural resources and also had a favorable investment policy. Agriculture Minister Dr. Fahd Balghunaim said that Saudi investors were keen to study projects related to crop development and food processing, as well as animal fattening.

The delegation had meetings with Prime Minster Meles Zenawi and other senior Ethiopian government officials.
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