April 25, 2025
The Ethio-India Business Expo 2025, held from April 15 to 17 at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in New Delhi, concluded successfully last week, marking another step forward in economic collaboration between Ethiopia and India. The event was jointly organized by PHDCCI and Ethiopia’s Enterprises Development, with 20 Ethiopian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) participating.
In his inaugural speech, Fesseha Shawel, Ambassador of Ethiopia to India, highlighted investment opportunities in Ethiopia’s SME sector and urged Ethiopian companies to leverage India’s technological and business expertise. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between Ethiopian and Indian SMEs to enhance economic ties and promote bilateral trade.
Following the opening remarks, the Ambassador, along with PHDCCI Deputy Secretary General Naveen Seth, officially inaugurated the event, which was followed by an interactive tour and engagement with the exhibition booths of both Ethiopian and Indian companies.
After the three-day exhibition, the Ethiopian companies participated in visits to various manufacturing plants, allowing them to tap into India’s rich ecosystem of innovation and affordable technology. The event also enabled SMEs from both countries to explore trade opportunities, potential joint ventures, and avenues for knowledge sharing.
SMEs form the backbone of both the Indian and Ethiopian economies. In India, they account for nearly 30% of the GDP and 45% of exports, serving as a major source of employment and innovation. In Ethiopia, SMEs also contribute significantly to industrialization, job creation, and the overall development of the country.
Ethiopia–India trade relations are rooted in historical ties and mutual goodwill, with a relationship marked by strong political cooperation and growing economic engagement. Both countries have expressed a shared commitment to deepening their commercial links, recognizing the value of long-term partnership. Ethiopia is well known for offering an enabling environment for Indian businesses, particularly in priority sectors such as textiles, agro-processing, and pharmaceuticals, making it a strategic destination for trade and investment.