Gowling WLG was pleased to host a trade delegation from Ethiopia for a luncheon event in Toronto that highlighted the economic investment opportunities in the African country.
From left: Ralph Lean, counsel, Gowling WLG (Toronto); Paul Harricks, partner, Gowling WLG (Toronto); Her Excellency Madame Birtukan Ayano Dadi; His Excellency Mr. Demeke Mekonnen; Derek Goodban, partner, Gowling WLG (London); Kathleen Ritchie, partner, Gowling WLG (Toronto); Avril Cole, partner, Gowling WLG (Toronto); Stephen Kenny, partner, Gowling WLG (London)
The May 19 event featured a number of distinguished guests, including His Excellency Mr. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia; Her Excellency Madame Birtukan Ayano Dadi, Ambassador of Ethiopia to Canada; and The Honourable Mr. Regasa Kifle, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.
At the session, the delegation emphasized Ethiopia's status as a country that is truly "open for business." Currently in a period of intense transformation, it offers a liberalized economy, a stable government, significant tax incentives, guaranteed investment protection and a strong, largely unexploited natural resource base that includes gold, platinum, nickel and potash.
"Ethiopia is a prime location for strategic investment - particularly in the areas of mining, energy and infrastructure," said Avril Cole, co-head of Gowling WLG's Africa team. "We're excited to help clients from Canada, the U.K. and around the world pursue business opportunities in this fast-developing region."
Gowling WLG has extensive industry knowledge and an in-depth understanding of Africa's unique legal, regulatory, commercial and cultural landscape. With clients at all stages of the business cycle - from major banks, development and private equity funds to governments and multilateral agencies - the firm has a strong reputation for its transactional work across the continent.