A New Chapter for South Ethiopia’s Economic Diplomacy
Brussels, Belgium — The South Ethiopia Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (SECCSA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Belgium–Luxembourg–Africa–Caribbean–Pacific (CBL-ACP), marking an important milestone in strengthening international trade, investment, and business cooperation.
The MoU was officially signed during the ETHIO BENELUX Business Forum held in Brussels, Belgium, providing an important platform for strengthening business and institutional ties between South Ethiopia and the Benelux region.
The agreement establishes a practical framework for cooperation between SECCSA and CBL-ACP aimed at promoting trade and investment opportunities between South Ethiopia, Belgium, Luxembourg, and broader European and African-Caribbean-Pacific markets.
Strengthening Business-to-Business Cooperation
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the two institutions will explore opportunities for collaboration in several strategic areas, including:
- Organizing joint business missions, trade delegations, and business matchmaking events;
- Facilitating the exchange of market intelligence, investment information, policies, and sectoral data;
- Promoting cooperation in agriculture, industry, trade, and investment;
- Supporting business networking and partnerships between enterprises;
- Strengthening institutional capacity through knowledge exchange and experience sharing; and
- Creating new market linkages and investment opportunities for businesses represented by both institutions.
The partnership is expected to contribute to connecting businesses in South Ethiopia with potential investors, buyers, partners, and institutions in Belgium, Luxembourg, and other international markets.
Expanding South Ethiopia’s International Economic Engagement
Speaking following the signing ceremony, the President of SECCSA, Engineer Bogale Bitane Menza, emphasized the importance of building practical international partnerships that create tangible economic opportunities for the business community.
The President noted that the agreement reflects SECCSA’s commitment to strengthening economic diplomacy, promoting South Ethiopia as an attractive investment destination, and connecting the region’s businesses with international markets.
“This partnership represents an important step toward transforming international cooperation into practical business opportunities. South Ethiopia is ready to connect, trade, and build strong partnerships with the global business community.”
The President further emphasized that Ethiopia’s continued economic transformation presents new opportunities for trade and investment, while South Ethiopia offers significant potential in agriculture, agro-processing, tourism, manufacturing, natural resources, and other priority sectors.
Turning Cooperation into Results
SECCSA expressed its appreciation to the leadership and team of CBL-ACP, particularly Mr. Thomas De Beule, for their constructive engagement and commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation.
The Chamber also thanked the organizers of the ETHIO BENELUX Business Forum for creating an important platform that brought together business leaders, chambers of commerce, investors, and institutional representatives from Ethiopia and the Benelux region.
The signing of the MoU represents more than an institutional partnership. It creates a foundation for practical engagement, stronger business connections, increased investment promotion, and new opportunities for the private sector.
Through this partnership, SECCSA will continue working to ensure that international cooperation translates into measurable results and tangible benefits for businesses, investors, and communities in South Ethiopia.
SECCSA remains committed to promoting South Ethiopia as a competitive destination for trade and investment and to strengthening the voice and international connectivity of the region’s private sector.
Together, SECCSA and CBL-ACP look forward to turning cooperation into concrete results.
