Addis Ababa: An Ethio-China Economic and Trade Forum opened this afternoon at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa. The forum was jointly organized by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Regional Integration in collaboration with the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectorial Association (ECCSA), and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Director-General of Middle East, Asia, and Pacific Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Negus Kebede, highlighted the longstanding relationship between Ethiopia and China, emphasizing mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision for development. The forum aimed to strengthen these ties and explore deeper economic engagement and shared prosperity. Ambassador Negus noted the elevation of relations to an All-Weather Strategic Partnership, reaffirming Ethiopia’s commitment to collaborate with China in trade, investment, infrastructure, industrialization, and green energy.
Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Chen Hai, emphasized Ethiopia’s strategic location in the Horn of Africa and its status as one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. Ambassador Chen described the Sino-Ethiopian ties as complementary, aimed at achieving tangible results in economic cooperation. CCPIT Vice Chancellor Chen Jian’an encouraged closer collaboration between Chinese and Ethiopian companies to enhance investment and trade linkages. He also referenced Ethiopia’s BRICS membership as a foundation for strong bilateral relations.
Keynote speaker, State Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Yasmin Wohabrebbi, urged participants to deepen business and investment ties and explore new areas of economic collaboration. She reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to the All Weather Partnership Agreement to maximize Ethio-Chinese trade and investment opportunities.
Ethiopian Investment Commission Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen (PhD) acknowledged China as a key development partner and highlighted Ethiopia’s potential as an investment destination. He encouraged Chinese firms to invest in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and ICT, benefiting from Ethiopia’s economic reforms.
Vice President of ECCSA, Dr. Aynalem Abayneh, stressed the need for ECCSA and CCPIT to work together to foster economic partnerships yielding tangible benefits. He emphasized results-oriented actions in agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy to solidify the economic partnership between Ethiopia and China.