Pharmaceutical companies in Benelux countries briefed on investment opportunities in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, April 8, 2022 (FBC) – A round table aimed to brief companies in Benelux countries engaged in  the pharmaceutical sector was hosted by the Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels on Thursday.

The event was aimed at showing the pharmaceutical companies in the Benelux countries about the investment and export opportunities in the sector in Ethiopia. The round table was conducted in a hybrid format that included physical and virtual means of attendance.

Among the panellists were Lelise Neme, Commissioner of EIC (Ethiopian Investment Commission), Sandokan Debebe, CEO of IDPC (Industrial Park Development Corporation), Fasika Mekete, advisor to the Minister of Health, and a representative from Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority. 

As the round table was a specific and focused event, some anchor Belgian pharmaceutical companies, including, Jonsson & Jonsson, Univercells/UNIZIMA, among others, were in attendance. Furthermore, representatives of regional Business offices of Belgium (AWEX & FIT), TRAIDE foundation (Dutch), Ethio-Belgian Association, and others attended the event.

A Set of presentations were made on the need for the pharmaceutical sector development and policy directions, Ethiopian investment climate, access to and services in industrial parks, as well as on certification and public procurement of pharmaceutical products.

Lelise Neme, in addition to Explaining the favourable investment climate in the country, invited  anchor companies for a business visit to Ethiopia so that they can assess the situation and seize the opportunity to witness the enabling environment. 

Sandokan Debebe, on his part, explained about the provision of access to the industrial parks, and more specifically he discussed  Kilinto industrial park, an industry zone dedicated to the pharmaceutical sector.

Ambassador Hirut Zemene had moderated the roundtable, which was a fruitful interactive event.

The participants drawn from the  Benelux area focused on the pharmaceutical sector had a chance to exchange views  with the Ethiopian officials, which is expected to encourage them to do business in Ethiopia.