Ethiopia has made a remarkable achievement in the business arena, yet we need to have clear perception and an in-depth knowledge about its dynamics, Arba Minch University President, Dr Feleke Woldeyes averred.
Opening the national symposium on ‘Ethiopian economy and business environment,’ he said, ‘‘For such a crucial topic, we need to be sensitive, however, with the policy direction from the government, business scenario in the country is getting better. And I hope, this forum will help academicians and others to acquire knowledge on economy to broaden their perspective.’’
Research Directorate’s Director, Dr Fantahun, welcoming the participants spoke about AMU’s research endeavour, saying, ‘‘Since 2005 EC, AMU with its chosen 14-thematic areas has been pursuing problem-solving and demand-driven research projects that benefit community at large.
Informing about AMU’s vast infrastructure, he said, along with two research co-ordination units; move to open research centre in the highlands with 50 staff members is afoot that would solve the problems being faced by the academic staff.
This first ever national symposium conducted by College of Business and Economics saw 12 papers presentation in which AMU had four. The vexed issues bogging key business sectors like agriculture, finance, tourism, ICT, entrepreneurship and major socio-economic determinants i.e. poverty and corruption were expatiated upon. The symposium began with College Dean Dr Solomon Markos, welcoming the dignitaries and participants.
Yonas Abera from Dire Dawa University, in his study on dimensions and determinants of agro-pastoral households, stated agriculture sector has 80% people’s involvement contributes 50% to nation’s GDP and helps to earn 90% foreign exchange. Yet larger chunk of Ethiopia’s population is living under poverty, UNDP (2010) record says.
His study further states, Denbel district of Somali Regional State is poverty-stricken and it’s imperative to gauge the magnitude of poverty there. He suggested improvement of non-farming activities and livestock production to stem the rot.
Jimma University’s Geremew Teklu in his study, ‘Distribution channel system functionality: FMGC,’ pilloried the wholesalers and retailers for infringing law. He flayed government’s laxity, and asked for consistent law on licensing, branding, packaging and transport duties etc.
Aron Hailesellasie of Mekelle University in his submission suggested banks to have small-sized board of directors with incentives for constructive work to improve its overall performance.
Underlining the hospitable and friendliness of Ethiopians, Gonder University’s Amare Nega in his study on ‘Challenges and opportunities of eco-tourism,’ underscored the involvement of local people and proposed alternative forms of tourism to make the industry result-oriented. He also maintained that Wondo Genet has uniquely exotic environment, a haven for tourists.
AMU presenter Tewelde Girma in his study meant to assess the impact of budget deficit on monetary aggregates, getting into its specifics opined that an institution makes everyone abide by the uniform law, with broadened tax mechanism and inclusion of standardized global interest rate will improve the supply system in Ethiopia.
Other AMU presenters dwelt upon the topics i.e. determinants of urban households’ vulnerability on poverty, Corporate entrepreneurship and innovation: Leather industry in Ethiopia and determinants of growth in bank sector. Development research and business consultant Yohannes Mengesha spoke on the problem between business community and tax authority.
Dr Solomon Markos, satisfied with the progress made in the symposium, said, ‘‘Papers presented on contemporary issue like poverty alleviation, corporate governance, eco-tourism challenges etc created an academic discourse; but its in-puts should be used for policy formulation.’’
He also appreciated sponsors of the event, AMU Research Directorate and Debub Global Bank. On the occasion, Dr Fantahun distributed the certificate of participation to all participants. All the researchers profusely lauded AMU for successfully conducting this symposium.
On the last day, in a recreational trip, all the participants were taken to the Crocodile Park and to the upcoming Gamo Gofa Cultural Centre being built at Secha in Arba Minch town thoroughly entertained all.
By Philips Joseph