Ethiopian scholars, Chinese enterprises, and Ethiopian exporters met at the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia for a high-level discussion to promote cooperation, advance trade, and explore opportunities for mutual benefit. The event, held on August 16, 2023, served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and knowledge sharing between key stakeholders from both countries.
During the opening ceremony of the event, H.E. Ambassador Zhao Zhiyuan thanked all Chinese and Ethiopians who participated in the event. In particular, H.E. Ambassador Zhao Zhiyuan thanked Ethiopian friends who are committed to the sustainable development of Ethiopia-China relations.
The discussion, facilitated by the Chinese Embassy, was attended by Ethiopian scholars, representatives of leading Chinese companies, and Ethiopian exporters looking to expand their trade relations with China. The atmosphere was cooperative and enthusiastic as participants sought to strengthen ties and explore avenues for economic growth and development.
H.E. Min Liao, the Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission and the Vice Minister of PRC attended and chaired the session. H.E. Mr. Liao thanked Ethiopian think tanks and coffee exporters for reflecting on the country’s economic situation. H.E. Min Liao said that think tanks need to solve the various challenges of Chinese companies. He added, "If the challenges of Chinese enterprises are solved, it also means that the challenges of Ethiopian enterprises are solved." H.E. Min Liao recommended that Ethiopian researchers come up with policy recommendations and solutions to investment challenges in Ethiopia, such as capital, banking, governance, and security threats.
One of the speakers at the event, Dr. Netsanet Jote, a lead researcher at the Ethiopian Policy Studies Institute, offered reflections on the impact of the BRI on Ethiopian development.
Speaking on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, Dr. Netsanet expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the esteemed gathering. She thanked H.E. Ambassador Zhao Zhiyuan and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Dr. Netsanet acknowledged the Embassy staff for their support and commitment to strengthening Ethiopia-China bilateral relations. She stressed the importance of their efforts to promote cultural, economic, and diplomatic relations, which have paved the way for mutual understanding and cooperation.
Dr. Netsanet highlighted the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative, which has opened new avenues of cooperation, and expressed her gratitude for the opportunities it has created. She explained that the initiative aims to improve connectivity and promote economic cooperation in Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond.
Dr. Netsanet elaborated on the benefits Ethiopia has derived from its participation in the BRI. She highlighted infrastructure development as the main benefit, pointing to significant investments in the transportation and energy sectors. Projects such as the Chinese-built Addis Ababa-Djibouti railroad have improved connectivity and trade between Ethiopia and Djibouti.
Trade and investment opportunities were also highlighted, with the BRI offering Ethiopia the opportunity to expand its export markets and attract foreign direct investment. Dr. Netsanet also pointed to the BRI's support for industrialization efforts in Ethiopia, including the development of industrial parks and manufacturing sectors.
In terms of energy sector development, Dr. Netsanet mentioned that BRI has supported Ethiopia's hydropower projects, enabling the country to become a regional exporter of clean energy. In addition, she highlighted the BRI's focus on people-to-people exchanges, which has led to more educational opportunities, scholarships, and training programs in China.
Dr. Netsanet expressed optimism and enthusiasm about the impact of the BRI on Ethiopia, stating that the BRI brought positive changes and opportunities that ignited hope and progress. She emphasized the importance of the BRI to Ethiopia, promoting policy coordination, financial integration, trade, investment, cultural exchange, and people-to-people relations.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Netsanet thanked H.E. Ambassador Zhao Zhiyuan, the Embassy staff, and all participants for their unwavering support and commitment. She appreciated their efforts in promoting close China-Ethiopia relations and called for further cooperation for a better and more prosperous future.
During the event, participants engaged in a productive exchange of ideas, highlighting the importance of collaboration in various sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Ethiopian scholars shared their expertise and provided valuable insights into the country's growth and investment potential. Chinese companies, in turn, showcased their capabilities and expressed interest in expanding their presence in Ethiopia.
The discussion provided a unique opportunity for Ethiopian researchers and exporters to engage directly with Chinese companies and promote partnerships and trade opportunities. Both sides expressed their determination to explore new avenues of cooperation, with a focus on facilitating the export of Ethiopian products to the vast Chinese and global markets.
The delegate also posed several questions to the Ethiopian researchers. One of the delegate's questions was about the areas where Chinese companies could get involved beyond coffee exports, and what challenges Chinese companies would face if they were to invest in these potential areas.
Dr. Netsenet Jote responded that Chinese companies can get involved in Ethiopia’s textile and leather industries. She added that raw materials are abundant and that these investments could also help Ethiopia secure hard currencies. Dr. Netsenet pointed out that despite the immense supply of raw materials, the value chain is a barrier to investment in these sectors. Moreover, despite the immense supply of hides and skins, the quality of the skins from breeding to slaughter to destination is poor.
The other question is how China can participate in the free trade agreement with Africa. Mr.Melaku Mulualem of the FDRE's Institute of Foreign Affairs said the ACTAF agreement is still under development and is expected to mature in 2024; after determining progress, China can cooperate with Africa.
A speaker from the Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association, Ms. Tsion Taye, also spoke about many issues related to the export of Ethiopian coffee. The speaker talked about opportunities and challenges in marketing, quality, pricing, market opportunities, and various challenges.
After the discussion, H.E. Ambassador Zhao Zhiyuan expressed his support for strengthening bilateral relations between Ethiopia and China and stressed the importance of cooperation in achieving common goals and mutual prosperity.
The high-level discussion ended with a renewed commitment by all participants to continue the dialog and explore concrete measures to deepen cooperation. The event served as a springboard for a stronger partnership between Ethiopian scholars, Chinese companies, and Ethiopian exporters, which has the potential to boost economic growth and create new opportunities for both countries.
At the conclusion of the event, participants expressed optimism about the future, recognizing that sustained cooperation and dialogue will pave the way for mutually beneficial outcomes and a stronger bilateral relationship between Ethiopia and China.