By Tadias Staff

Updated: Thursday, July 16, 2008

New York (Tadias) – The third Ethiopian Diaspora Business Forum, organized by The Ethiopian American (an online Diaspora magazine) and Precise Consult International (a consulting firm specializing in trade promotion, business management, and private sector development in Ethiopia), was held at George Washington University on Saturday, July 12, 2008. Here is the event video.

Ethiopian Diaspora Business Forum – Invest in Ethiopia

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Third Ethiopian Diaspora Business Forum

By Tadias Staff

Published: Thursday, July 10, 2008

New York (Tadias) – The third Ethiopian Diaspora Business Forum, organized by The Ethiopian American (an online Diaspora magazine) and Precise Consult International (a consulting firm specializing in trade promotion, business management, and private sector development in Ethiopia), will be held at George Washington University on Saturday, July 12, 2008.

The event, which aims to attract Diaspora investors by making a business case for investing in Ethiopia, will be closed to the public and attendance is by invitation only.

“Since the overall objective is to attract serious potential investors and help convert their interest into tangible projects in Ethiopia, the conference will be by invitation only and targeting specific groups of the Diaspora with the most inclination to invest in Ethiopia”, said the program literature sent to Tadias Magazine.

“These groups include Diaspora entrepreneurs in the U.S and working professionals skilled in industry, the services sectors, and information technology, among others.”

The forum is sponsored by George Washigton University, USAID and VEGA (Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance)’s AGOA + project in Ethiopia.

A VEGA newsletter earlier this year cited Victor and Lily Bag Factory, the first joint American and Ethiopian owned factory, as one of their prominent projects in Ethiopia. American businessman Victor Ozeri has extensive investment experience in factories in China, which supply the U.S. market with bags and sports uniforms. (See the VEGA newsletter at vegaalliance.org)

The forum’s first panel topic seeks to address how best to integrate government and Diaspora developmental organizations to boost Ethiopian economy. Featured panelists include: Dr. Liesl Riddle from The George Washington University School of Business; Dr. Elizabeth Chakao from the George Washington University Department of Geography; Mr. Thomas Debass, Senior Advisor for Remittances & Diaspora; and Mr. Henok Assefa, Managing Partner, Precise Consult International PLC.

The second panel topic will consist of discussions regarding how to start and operate a business in Ethiopia. Featured panelists include: Mr. Yemiru Chanyalew, CEO, eVentive LLC; Mr. Michael Gizaw, Managing Director for Africa, New Frontier Capital; Mr. Bob Rabatsky, Fintrac (USAID Agribusiness Trade Expansion in Ethiopia); and Mr. Addis Alemayehu, Chief of Party, USAID VEGA Ethiopia AGOA+.

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Third Ethiopian Diaspora Business Forum. At George Washington University, Jack Morton Auditorium (2121 Eye Street NW, Washington DC, USA). July 12, 2008. For details of the business forum or to RSVP, contact Yohannes Assefa at defar@att.net.