Jan. 19 – Lawyer Nicola Spadafora was appointed Honorary Consul of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Milan, following the approval of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. His main consular functions are to promote the development of commercial, economic, cultural and scientific relations between the two countries, promote friendly relations between them, protect Italian interests in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and its nationals, both individuals and corporate bodies, within the limits permitted by international law. This important award demonstrates the value of years of work carried out by Spadafora played in several missions to Ethiopia for the creation of entrepreneurial networks and the development of international business opportunities with local companies. “The strong relationship with Ethiopia’s major institutions – said the new Honorary Consul – led and encouraged many Italian companies to invest in several projects in the African country, in areas such as water, marble processing, plastics disposal, and construction. The outlook is bright for further growth, as demonstrated by the increasing presence of mainly American, Chinese and Turkish multinational companies attracted by the development of a potentially huge market. Political stability, economic and social development of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia will help facilitate this process, in which Italy participates with success.”