Addis Ababa, July 3, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - The Ethio-Indian bilateral cooperation has been enhanced to a higher level, especially during the last four years, Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Gurjit Singh said.The ambassador said the bilateral ties that exist between by the two sisterly countries is indeed exemplary to other countries.
Briefing journalists in connection with his completion of tenure office in Addis Ababa, the ambassador expressed his belief on Friday that Ethiopia is likely to meet the MDGs.
Ethiopia is a strategic partner to India compared to other African countries, he said, adding his government will continue efforts toward boosting bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Currently, he said, some 439 Indian companies have launched various investment projects in Ethiopia, which, he said, the projects are flourishing within a short time.
Indian investment flow into Ethiopia has already reached over 4.2 billion USD, he said, this placed Ethiopia among the top most beneficiaries of African countries.
The existing trade exchange volume between the two countries still remains in favor of India so far, he said, however, the existing gap will be addressed soon if the economic cooperation between the two countries continues to be strengthened in the years ahead.
Indian investors who are licensed to carry out potash exploration and extraction activities have already entered into production phase, he said.
“My priority here in Ethiopia was to bolster the bilateral relations of the two countries, and thereby transfer it into strong South-South relation. I am satisfied," the ambassador said.
He said as Ethiopia and Indian share similar outlook in international politics, and have been working closely toward fighting terrorism.
The ambassador said India’s support to Ethiopia in human resource sector is a case in point.
The ambassador commends the Ethiopian government for its meticulous leadership and decision making in political and economic spheres.
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