We may not be surprised by hearing some critics on pursuing promotional campaigns such as “Buy Ethiopia”, What the Ethiopia Chamber of commerce and Sectoral Associations is advocating for. Such critics are usually emanating from the viewpoint that Motto is considered as a statement against the current trend of opening markets to global competition. The Critics also argue that growth should only come through competitiveness, without the need for adopting restrictive attitudes towards products and services originating from foreign countries.

I would however choose to counter the critics claiming that pursuing the Motto of “Buy Ethiopian” has nothing to do with restrictive attitudes towards foreign products and services. Rather it is refined and effective marketing tool to promote local products through manipulating the emotional attachment of the people to its mother land. In fact Ethiopia is not the only country to advocate in favor of enhancing palatability of local products in their local markets. Even some of the richest nations like the United States are pleading to their people to buy American Products and services. Countries like India have succeeded in developing their local industry by showing buying preference to their own products not only in their home countries but also from their country of residence outside India.

The Motto of “Buy Ethiopian” will not contradict with the principle of openness and competitiveness as it has nothing to do with adopting restrictive measures against competing products. As indicated above, it is only a marketing tool that can be applicable in any modern market led economy.

There are however several convincing reasons to support the Motto in the context of Ethiopia’s specific circumstances. As we are all aware, most of the country’s industries are week compared to competing firms of foreign countries showing increasing interest in Ethiopian market. One of the challenges facing our infant industries is the increasing trend in globalization of markets. We recognize that globalization also offers an opportunity for players in the various sectors of the economy Nevertheless; strong pressures from the highly developed and competitive firms targeting Ethiopian market are posing serious threats to the country’s infant industries.  

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