Addis Ababa: Ethiopia’s Finance State Minister, Semereta Sewasew, conferred with Netherlands Ambassador to Ethiopia, Christine Pirenne, to reinforce the strong bilateral partnership and explore avenues for deeper collaboration in support of Ethiopia’s development goals. The two sides discussed enhanced cooperation and shared priorities.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, during the discussion, State Minister Semereta acknowledged the long and valued history of cooperation with the Netherlands, particularly in crucial sectors like agriculture. She expressed gratitude for the Netherlands’ consistent support as Ethiopia continues its path of economic reform, aiming to strengthen domestic revenue generation and address social insecurities.
The upcoming 100-year anniversary of the economic and trade relationship between the two nations was noted with enthusiasm by both parties as a potential occasion for commemoration. Ambassador Pirenne initiated the courtesy call to further strengthen existing relationships and build her network, emphasizing the Netherlands’ commitment to a long-term presence in Ethiopia. She outlined the Dutch government’s current priorities, which are centered around Dutch interests in Ethiopia: doing business, addressing migration issues, and contributing to peace and security in the region.
The Ambassador also detailed the key sectors of Dutch cooperation: water management, food and nutrition security (including support for government initiatives in seeds and livestock), and health, reaffirming the Netherlands’ intention to remain engaged in these areas despite anticipated budget adjustments. State Minister Semereta Sewasew highlighted the importance of encouraging domestic investment and generating revenue.
Both parties engaged in a discussion about the challenges faced by investors, including issues related to tax policies, customs procedures, and regional trade, agreeing on the necessity of ongoing dialogue through platforms like the upcoming high-level business forum to address these concerns and foster a more supportive environment.
The collaborative efforts to develop a cold chain from production areas to the port of Djibouti were acknowledged as a significant initiative to boost the export of horticultural products and flowers. State Minister Semereta expressed appreciation for this project, recognizing its potential to create critical linkages for exports.
The impact of EU regulations on Ethiopian exports, particularly in the agricultural sector, was discussed. The Netherlands indicated their ongoing support to Ethiopian authorities in meeting these standards. The critical role of retaining existing investors and attracting new ones was acknowledged. Semereta emphasized the government’s understanding of the need to create a conducive environment at both federal and regional levels. Cooperation on migration-related matters, including the facilitation of returns, was touched upon.
The state minister conveyed Ethiopia’s interest in being involved in the development of the Netherlands’ future multi-annual strategic plans to ensure alignment with Ethiopian priorities. Ambassador Christine Pirenne noted the evolving global landscape and a more focused approach in international relations, seeking to better understand Ethiopia’s core interests to identify mutually beneficial collaborations. State Minister Semereta welcomed the Netherlands’ enduring commitment to Ethiopia and expressed optimism for continued and strengthened cooperation across various sectors to achieve shared development objectives.