afrol News, 12 January - The United States government has today launched an American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Ethiopia aimed at enhancing trade and relations between the two countries. The Ethiopian exports to the US amounts to US$120 million annually, while the imports from the American market currently stand at US$160 million.

American ambassador to Ethiopia, Donald Yamamoto said the chamber's aim is to promote economic development by strengthening Ethiopian-American business partnerships, trade and investment between the two countries.

"The US is Ethiopia's third largest destination of exports. We want to become the biggest destination for Ethiopian exports because we are one of the largest export destinations in the world. This Chamber would benefit from the trade expansion," Mr Yamamoto said.

Speaking at the launch, AmCham president, Getachew Ayele, said America is committed to supporting Ethiopia's development by promoting the two way trade, between two countries.

He said AmCham would foster a positive environment for the business communities in both countries, and work to bring commercial relations to their full potential.

Ethiopian members of the American Chamber of Commerce, which include the Ethiopian airlines, welcomed the launch of the new trade body in country, saying that it provided a chance to improve trade ties between the United States and the Ethiopian firms.

"We fly to the United States and so, any strengthened business relations between Ethiopia and the US will always add value to what we do," Girma Wake, the Chief Executive of the Ethiopian Airlines, said after the launch of the American Chamber of Commerce.

The new chamber has an initial membership of 57 firms, operating in Ethiopia as well as the US and aims to promote American investments in Ethiopia.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Ethiopia is the fourth AmCham in Sub-Saharan Africa.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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