Ethiopian Economics Association developed a multi-dimensional development index to assess the country's economic progress. Degye Goshu (PhD), director of research & policy analysis in the Association, said that the index intends to narrow the gap between the numeric expression of economic growth and the status of people's lives on the ground. He said human and socio-economic development indexes, democracy and good governance, environment, globalization and gender gap index are enveloped. Currently, the Association has 5,500 members. Its President, Amdissa Teshome, said the index can be an input for finance and planning & development ministries calling for their support. The consultation held at InterLuxury Hotel saw the attendance of officials from the Ministry of Trade & Regional Integration, UNICEF and the African Development Bank. The Association was established in 1991 to provide a networking platform, access to information and a better understanding of domestic and global economic issues that help to inform and influence economic policy-making and investment decisions.