The Tigray Delegation concluded a successful Meeting at the World Trade Center of Baltimore – 3 August 2016

Kindeya Gebrehiwot (PhD) 08-03-16
The high level delegate of Tigray held a successful meeting with the Secretary of Commerce of Maryland State today at the World Trade Center in Baltimore, Maryland. The secretary of commerce M. Gill hailed the developments in Ethiopia and squarely mentioned that Ethiopia is seeking examples for others. He lauded efforts in environment, education, poverty and mortality reduction, health, among other things. He made a promise to create a university partnership with universities in the state and also promote trade partnership
The head of the Tigray delegation Amb Dr Addisalem Balema appreciated the warm welcome of the secretary and explained the current situation and development in Ethiopia, and highlighted the need to forge partnership with the USA institutions and companies. He has also over emphasized the commitment of the government and the people in renewable energy and would welcome investment and bilateral trade relations. He has reiterated that the critical problem in Tigray is water both in quantity and quality and invited cooperation in water and waste management.

The delegation continued its engagement with Steven Penington, Managing director of Business and Industry Sector Development at the Dept of Commerce in Maryland. His staff showed interest in Biotechnology, healthcare, aerospace engineering, manufacturing, energy and environmental technologies, poultry and fish, educational research, health, science and Technology, university partnership and investment by Maryland companies.
The idea of developing environmental especially water lab in Mekelle has been proposed and agreed up on. The meeting, which was also attended by relevant partner organizations and the Embassy of Ethiopia in USA, was successfully concluded by establishing a joint committee represented from both sides that will develop an action plan and implement.