He also invited Indian investors to Ethiopia, pointing out that some 300 million hectares of land is available. “It is virgin land, not being utilised by anybody. Only 10% of our available land has been utilised,” he said.

He refuted claims of land grabbing by businesses in Ethiopia. “Ignore reports about land-grabbing, they are ill-informed and ill-intended. There was no land grabbing and there will be no land grabbing here.”

Zelawi was speaking at the press conference held jointly with PM Manmohan Singh at the National Palace in Addis Ababa.

Elaborating on India-Ethiopia partnership, Zelawi said, “India is helping us in a passionate way” and sought more space for Ethiopian goods in the Indian market. Singh concurred, saying there will be more space for Ethiopian goods in the Indian markets.

Singh said India aims to achieve closer political understanding and deepening of economic exchanges following the first ever visit by an Indian PM to what is considered the diplomatic capital of Africa.

“We have decided to enhance our cooperation in a number of areas. They include sectors such as science & technology, agricultural research, education and information technology. We have concluded agreements in the area of taxation and small and medium enterprises, which will bring benefits to business communities on both sides,” he said.

(Daily News Analysis)