Ethio-Iranian Economic Cooperation Enters New Stage: Ambassador

Addis Ababa, Feb. 11(ENA)-- Iranian Ambassador to Ethiopia has said economic cooperation between his country and Ethiopia has entered a new stage.

Ambassador Morteza Damanpak Jami was speaking here on Monday in connection with the celebration of the 23rd Iranian National Day.

He said Iran would exert efforts to help Ethiopian exports get acceptance in Iran's free trade areas.

Iranian entrepreneurs were willing to import, reprocess and supply to the foreign markets Ethiopia's agriculture and industrial exports, he said.

According to the Ambassador, the two countries established a joint economic commission in early 2000 and successfully concluded the commission's first and second meetings in Addis Ababa and Tehran respectively.

He said a number of important agreements on trade, tourism, health, agriculture, and TV cooperation have been signed.

"These agreements, when fully implemented, would further strengthen our cooperation in different economic fields," he indicated.

"One of the main aspects of our cooperation, is the need for closer contacts between the private sectors of the two countries, which have already been emphasized upon by the authorities of both sides," he said.

He indicated that a joint business council will be established soon to look after such issues as, among others, organizing exhibitions and exchange of information.

"So we encourage all interested companies in the two countries to be an active member of this council," he said.

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