The Ethiopia-China Economic and Trade Forum commenced yesterday at the Skylight Hotel. The forum was jointly organized by Ethiopia’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade & Regional Integration, alongside the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association (ECCSA), and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).
Ambassador Negus Kebede, Director-General of Middle East, Asia, and Pacific Affairs at the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted Ethiopia and China’s longstanding partnership, now elevated to an All-Weather Strategic Partnership. He emphasized that the gathering strengthens bilateral relations and fosters deeper economic collaboration.
Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Chen Hai, noted Ethiopia’s strategic location and rapid economic growth, underscoring China’s role as Ethiopia’s largest trading partner in Africa. CCPIT Vice Chairman Chen Jian’an echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for closer investment and trade linkages, particularly following Ethiopia’s BRICS membership, which enhances economic cooperation.
State Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Yasmin Wohabrebbi, urged participants to explore new investment opportunities, reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to the All-Weather Partnership Agreement. EIC Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen (PhD) encouraged Chinese firms to leverage Ethiopia’s homegrown economic reforms, citing key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and ICT.
ECCSA Vice President, Dr. Aynalem Abayneh, called for results-oriented actions in agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy, reinforcing China’s critical role in Ethiopia’s economic development.
Source: Fana BC
