Memorandum of Cooperation for Capacity Building and Internship Access

Addis Ababa University (AAU) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Ethiopian Customs Commission (ECC) for capacity building and access of internship at Sidist Kilo (AAU’s Main Campus) today, 2nd of July 2021.
The objective of the Partnership is AAU as a knowledge institution to strategically engage in human capital development, digital transformation, research and development for ECC fosters institutional capability in effectively carrying out of its mission on trade facilitation and control for the international move of Ethiopia.
Professor Tassew Weldehanna, President of AAU, said during the agreement that as Ethiopia is a market destination for many countries and has strong economic ties with the rest of the world, it has to build its capacity on the import-export trade focused activities.
Prof Tassew stated that the ECC is playing a major role in the expansion and consolidation of Ethiopia’s exports and imports; if this institution does not grow in capacity, it is unlikely that Ethiopia’s foreign trade ties will be facilitated.
“One of the primary responsibilities of AAU is to collaboration with industry and the community to do what it needs to do in the country. It does not make sense for a university to exist if it does not work to grow the country’s economy and does not try to integrate the industry with the society in the country,” Prof Tassew said.
“Therefore, AAU, as well equipped university, Prof Tassew added, wants to work with the ECC to facilitate and modernize the work of the institution. Each year, the university graduates a number of professionals in business-related fields. These professionals are expected to be familiar with the customs sector while still in school.”
The AAU and the ECC relationship is not only about research, but also about the fact that students go to the institute to do internships and trade knowledge, and to get a better understanding before they graduate, Prof Tassew stressed.
Prof Tassew said, “This agreement plays an important role in helping us strengthen our relationship based on research, teaching-learning and skill building and there is a need to replace the custom duties done by with hiring foreign experts.
As Prof Tassew stated, AAU is very motivated and committed to implementing the agreement. It will coordinate and strengthen its human and material resources to make the agreement fruitful, he added.
Mr. Debele Qabeta, Commissioner for the ECC, said on his part that the Commission is working hard to make national and institutional reforms through modernizing the commission so that it can be a strong and honest institution that can serve its citizens with the help of well-trained professionals.
According to the Commissioner, there is a growing desire to make the institution’s operations more efficient, fair, effective, predictable and legitimate. They are signing partnership and cooperation documents with other institutions including AAU to take the reforms to a higher level.
As stated by Commissioner Debele, the commission’s reform activity in collaboration with AAU, focused on manpower development at all levels and disciplines, extensive use of modern technology, high customer satisfaction and modern logistics flow, will be effective.
“We believe that AAU will contribute significantly to the successful implementation of these fields transforming soon into programs where practical research and training will begin,” Mr. Debele finally remarked.
This MoC will become effective from the date of signing and remain in force until July 1, 2025 and it may be renewed upon mutual agreement by the two parties and by way of simple declarative statements supplemental to this MoC.
Professor Tassew Weldehanna, President of AAU, on the side of the University and Mr. Debele Qabeta representing ECC, signed the agreement.

Source: Addis Ababa University