REPORT ON BFIF-FUNDED AMCHAM ETHIOPIA LAUNCH

UNCLAS ADDIS ABABA 000777 SIPDIS STATE FOR EEB/CBA DENNIS WINSTEAD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: BEXP ECON EINV ETRD ET SUBJECT: REPORT ON BFIF-FUNDED AMCHAM ETHIOPIA LAUNCH REF: 2008 STATE 108959 SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (U) The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Ethiopia was officially launched on January 12, 2009 at the Sheraton Hotel in the presence of the Minister of Trade and Industry Girma Birru, Ambassador Yamamoto, representatives of international financial institutions, and diplomats as well as a host of prominent guests. The event generated extensive local and international media coverage. The Economic/Commercial Section of AmEmbassy Addis Ababa utilized $2,000 in Business Facilitation Incentive Fund (BFIF) funds for the launching ceremony. END SUMMARY. PROGRAM OUTCOME AND FOLLOW UP -------------- ¶2. (U) On January 12, 2009, the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Ethiopia was launched at the Sheraton Hotel by Ambassador Yamamoto and the Minister of Trade and Industry (MoTI) Girma Birru. Two hundred people were present at the event, including various international financial institution representatives and diplomats, which received large-scale local and international media coverage. The AmCham aims to promote economic development by strengthening U.S.-Ethiopian business partnerships as well as trade and investment between the two countries. AmCham Ethiopia is the fourth AmCham in Sub-Saharan Africa with a current membership of nearly 60 U.S. and local Ethiopian companies. ¶3. (U) During the launching ceremony, Minister Girma asserted that the launching of AmCham Ethiopia marked an important milestone in trade and business relations between the United States and Ethiopia. He also highlighted the importance of the growing economic development partnership between the two countries. Minister Girma also reaffirmed the Ethiopian Government's commitment to the private sector, highlighting their pivotal role in economic development. FINANCIAL EXPENDITURES -------------- ¶4. (U) Total expenses incurred during the launching of AmCham Ethiopia: Refreshments, space rental, sound system (as a package deal) = USD 2,000.00 Total actual expenditure = USD 2,000.00 ¶5. Post appreciates the Department's Business Facilitation Incentive Fund (BFIF) support of AmCham Ethiopia. YAMAMOTO