merrion street

Ireland has today cemented its strong relations with Ethiopia with the signing of three bilateral agreements.
During the visit of President Michael D Higgins to Ethiopia, Minister for Development, Trade Promotion, and North South Cooperation, Seán Sherlock, TD, signed agreements on transport, double taxation, and development cooperation.
Speaking from Addis Ababa, Minister Sherlock said:
“The signing of these agreements further deepens our already excellent diplomatic relations.
“The transport agreement will facilitate direct flights by Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa to Los Angeles, with a stopover in Dublin, beginning June 2015.
“This is an important step in opening new markets and will considerably improve business and trade opportunities for Ireland.”
On the double taxation agreement, Minister Sherlock said:
“The double taxation agreement will provide certainty to businesses who want to invest in both Ireland and Ethiopia.
“Each year, Irish exports to Ethiopia are worth €20 million.
“There are huge opportunities for Irish companies in Africa and this is a very welcome development.”
The final agreement signed today will update and modernise Ireland and Ethiopia’s development cooperation.
“Ethiopia has made impressive progress in meeting the Millennium Development Goals and through Irish Aid, we hope to help Ethiopia continue this success.” Minister Sherlock said.
ENDS
Press Office
3 November 2014

Notes to the editor:
Today’s agreement brings to 70 the number of double taxation agreements Ireland has with other countries
Total merchandise trade between Ireland and Africa increased by 35% from 2010-2013, from just over €1.7bn to over €2.3bn
The focus of the Irish Aid programmes in Ethiopia is on improving resilience in agriculture, maternal health, social protection and support for civil society.
Greater emphasis will now be placed on nutrition, climate change and the private sector development.
The Department Transport, Tourism and Sport negotiated and initialled the agreement with Ethiopian Authorities in May 2014.