Envoy discusses employment opportunities for Lankans in Tigray region in Ethiopia

The Asia Pacific Group of Ambassadors representing Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka had a three-day visit to Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray Regional State of Ethiopia, on an invitation extended by Regional Government President from 4 October. 

The program included visits to industrial park in Mekelle, the historical Al-Nejashi Mosque and Mekelle University and meetings with the Chairperson of the Regional Investment Commission, Chairperson of the Cultural and Tourism Bureau of Tigray and officials of the Tigray Regional Government.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union Commission Sumith Dassanayake had a meeting with Tigray Regional State President Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael. The Ambassador sought more employment opportunities for Sri Lankan nationals at the industrial parks in the Tigray region. He also briefed the Regional President on the political and economic developments being taken place in Sri Lanka.

Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake also requested the assistance of the regional Government to attract Ethiopian investors and tourists to Sri Lanka.

The President assured more opportunities for Sri Lankans and requested the Ambassador to arrange a high level business delegation from Sri Lanka to visit his region. He also informed that opportunities are available for investment in the fields of energy, mineral industries and agro business.

Concluding the visit, the envoys attended a joint press briefing chaired by the Regional President.