Some 260 Indian investors are so far engaged in various investment sectors in Ethiopia.

Ambassador Genet Zewde told ENA reporter in New Delhi that the cooperation between the two countries in culture, education, trade and investment sectors has been growing immensely.

The signing of various agreements in science and technology, education and investment fields helped the two countries to further enhance their bilateral relation, she said.

The visit of Indian Foreign Minister to Ethiopia last year has also significantly contributed for the enhancement of the cooperation.

The 60th anniversary of the establishment of Ethio-India diplomatic ties would be celebrated next year.

Ambassador Genet further said several Indian investors are showing interest and are coming to Ethiopia to be engaged in various development sectors.

Some 260 Indian investors are so far licensed to work in Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Mines and Energy and Sondika, an Indian company have signed an agreement and, while tht latter was licensed to produce potassium in Afar State with half a billion USD capital.

Similarly, Kenan and Evans, other Indian companies have requested 10,000 hectares of land in South Ethiopia People's State with a view to launching tea development with 177.28 million USD capital.

Myk, an Indian investor with a capital of 30 million USD has launched preliminary activities to establish cement factory in Gebreguracha town of Oromia State, the Ambassador said.

Ethiopia exports cereals, nigger seed, gold and other products to India, while it imports processed products from India.

The discussion Prime Minister Meles Zenawi held in New Delhi with members of the Indian confederation, investors engaged in textile, leather and leather products and other sectors would enable to further step up the relation of the two countries in the investment sector.

Ambassador Genet said efforts are also being made to forge partnership between Indian and Ethiopian Universities.

Indian Universities would provide distance higher education training to Ethiopians through satellite, web site and other modern technologies.

Accordingly, efforts are underway to train 10,000 students in Masters Degree and PhD programs in various fields.

The training would be offered to lecturers of newly opened Universities in Ethiopia, she said and added that the training is believed to have sound contribution both in expanding education and build the capacity of Ethiopian Universities.

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