As for Agriculture State Minister Wondyirad Mandefro, the exhibition and congress, which is the first of its kind in the country, significantly contributes to enhance trade ties.

Ethiopian News Agency reports that the event is said to be of paramount importance in raising a continental dream to enhance trade as the continent is gathering in Addis Ababa to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU.

Figures show Intra-African trade and investment currently stands at 9-12 per cent and such exhibitions and congresses are intended to increase the trade among the countries in the continent.

Ethiopia is endowed with huge livestock resource; however, contribution of the sector to the national economy is minimal compared to its potential.

Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture is keen to provide support to businesses interested to splash their money in the sector, he said. According to numbers in the Exhibition, there are 24 international companies taking part in the three-day event.