The Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectorial Associations (AACCSA) announced that it would launch construction work on the Addis-Africa International Trade Centre this year at a cost of 200 million birr.

Speaking at a consultative meeting with government representatives at the Addis Ababa Hilton yesterday, AACCSA President Eyesus-Work Zafu said that the construction of the centre would, among others, promote trade and investment, enhance export trade, attract foreign direct investment, create a platform for technology transfer.

Eyesus-Work said that the construction of the centre, in the vicinity of CMC Yeka Sub-city will also strengthen the cooperation and trade relations of Ethiopia and other African countries. The African Union has shown interest in assisting the construction with a conviction that it would serve as a platform to link Africa with the rest of the world, he added.

The President further indicated that the construction of the centre would be completed within seven years after three phase undertakings, adding that the centre would have 11,000 sq metres exhibition hall, six conference halls, offices, among othrers.

According to him, the current size of the project area has been reduced to 110,000 sq metres from the original 125,000 for the city government provided it to other individuals and strongly urged it to reconsider the move to build standardized trade centre that would serve not only Ethiopia but the rest of Africa as well.

Eyesus-Work also took the opportunity to call upon the government, the business and the international community to provide the necessary assistance for the realization of this grand project.