Sweden keen on deepening trade, investment ties with Ethiopia: Ambassador

Addis Ababa, April 23, 2024 (FBC) – Swedish government is committed to enhance trade and investment ties with Ethiopia thereby supporting economic development in the country, said Sweden Ambassador to Ethiopia.

In an exclusive interview with EPA, Sweden Ambassador to Ethiopia Hans Henric Lundquist, stated that the Sweden focuses more on trade and investment since economic development will promote peace.

As part development cooperation, Sweden needs to support regional integration process especially the Horn of Africa (HoA) as well as other parts of Africa.

“We need more trade between African countries and between Africa and Europe. We live in very polarized world today since so many conflicts going on globally.”

Sweden contributed in history of many African countries in building solidarity and capacity building particularly in people-to-people context. This continues in Ethiopia for 70 years of cooperation, he said.

“Ethiopia and Sweden have built mutual partnership. The Sweden has a broaden development program in Ethiopia. Hence, we have been looking ways on how to contribute in strengthening trade and investment. Right now, we have around 30 Swedish companies operating in the country,” the Ambassador added.

So far, the two countries have been cooperating in Agriculture, education, health and other development sectors.

“Sweden considers Ethiopia as very important country in the Horn of Africa. And the stability in the country would contribute to the stability of the region. That why, Sweden believes that Ethiopia is a strategic country in the region. We will continue supporting the country in developing mutual cooperation in varies fields,” the Ambassador added.

“Furthermore, Sweden has been supporting the National Dialogue and upcoming transitional justice processes and also exploring ways how to support the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) process in Ethiopia,” he pointed out.