Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Dec 18 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent trip to Ethiopia has injected new energy into the India–Ethiopia economic alliance, reported members of the Indian diaspora on Thursday. They emphasized emerging opportunities in various sectors including agriculture, floriculture, leather, climate action, and technology.

They highlighted that Ethiopia's achievements in export-oriented industries, paired with India's expanding market and technological capabilities, present significant prospects for enhanced collaboration that could be mutually beneficial.

Senthil Kumaran Thangavelu, General Manager of Horti Consult PLC, shared that Ethiopia began its flower cultivation journey about two decades ago and has since experienced rapid growth, aided by robust global connectivity through Ethiopian Airlines.

“Currently, flowers from Ethiopia and Kenya are exported to markets in Europe, Japan, Korea, and Australia,” he noted.

Thangavelu pointed out that India, aside from roses, is increasingly sourcing flowers and ornamental plants from Europe, resulting in a significant outflow of foreign exchange.

He explained that India’s Northeastern region possesses ideal climate conditions for cultivating a diverse array of flowers and ornamental potted plants.

Thangavelu elaborated on Africa's rise as a global flower hub, tracing the rose industry’s origins from the Netherlands to Israel.

While India is largely self-sufficient in rose production, it still relies on expensive imports for other flower varieties and ornamental plants.

“By adopting Ethiopian technologies and incorporating European expertise, particularly on a micro-scale in the Northeast, India can replicate this success,” he advocated.

Aside from floriculture, the India-Ethiopia collaboration is broadening into additional sectors.

Wondu Legesse, National Project Coordinator for the UNIDO LISEC project, indicated that Ethiopia has established strong partnerships with India’s Central Leather Research Institute and the Footwear Design & Development Institute in Delhi.

“These collaborations are focused on enhancing the capabilities of tanneries and footwear factories, resulting in notable advancements in the leather sector,” he remarked.

Legesse, with over three decades in the industry, continues to contribute as a UNIDO consultant.

Efforts in climate action are also on the rise. Robi Redda, Director at SouthSouthNorth, mentioned that his organization aids the Ethiopian government in securing climate financing, formulating policies, and creating a supportive environment to address climate change.

He added that they have played a role in several national climate strategies and are preparing Ethiopia for the upcoming 32nd Conference of Parties (COP32), set to occur in the country in 2027.