Addis Ababa,Apr.25(ENA)--The Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce (ECC) has called on the business community to contribute to the national development by paying taxes due on them.

ECC president Aschalew Haile made the call here on Saturday after inaugurating the "Call for Development Wollo 2004 Exhibition and Bazaar".

The creation of a strong national economic base would only be possible when the business community discharge their responsibilities by making timely payments of taxes, he said.

He said such trade fairs being held in Dessie and other towns are serving as an opportunity bringing closer together businesspeople in the State, he said.

He announced that ECC has been taking measures to help the establishment of Chambers of Commerce in towns where such organizations have not yet been formed.

The occasion will bring forth the suitable business opportunities in Dessie town to entrepreneurs in other regions, Dessie town mayor Haile Aberra said.

The town administration will provide efficient services to prospective investors, he said.

Some 107 manufacturing and service rendering organizations have participated in the exhibition and bazaar that lasts until May 10, chairman of the coordinating committee Alemayehu Asfaw said.

Earlier, a discussion forum on the investment opportunities in South Wollo was held in the participation of 300 foreign and local investors.

During the panel, awards and certificates of recognition were accorded to more than 20 investors for greater contributions for the development of Dessie town.