As part of his engagements to further boost Ethiopian economy and strengthen diplomatic relations of the nation, Dr. Abiy Ahmed had fruitful diplomatic visits to several countries. Lately, he had been to South Korea, Japan and Israel. During his visits, the PM had discussed with higher government officials, investors, leaders and others. According to scholars with whom The Ethiopian Herald approached, his recent visit has a key role in attracting foreign investment and create market opportunity to Ethiopia.
During his visit, the Prime Minister met and held bilateral talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-In, Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. In Japan, the Prime Minister also attended the seventh Tokyo International Conference on Africa Development (TICAD 7) summit. He also met with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and Ntanyahu of Israeli Prime Minister.
Abrham Seyum is a Lecturer at Addis Ababa University at Economics Department. He said, government commitment towards economic boost can be manifested in several ways. Official visit of Dr. Abiy to South Korea, Japan and Israel is a good indication in this regard.
Beside active role of citizens, private investors, government and others, the role of foreign investors is unquestionable in speeding up the economy. of political leaders is vital. Dr. Abiy Ahmed`s recent visits to different countries is part of this plan.” Diplomatic discussion at higher government official level will give insurance for foreign investors. They don not only show desire to invest locally, they will also show interest to import local products as well.
Manufacturing companies will show interest to invest in Ethiopia. Using the cheap labor coast together with other factors, they will be interested to play key role in the economy. Promoting Ethiopia at higher government official level has a significant role. Political discussion and official visit by higher government official will give them a chance to understand nation’s political-economy policy. Such kind of visit will also give Ethiopian investors to have a better outlook in the international market.
On his part, Dr. Gutu Tesso, an economist, said that the visit of Dr. Abiy to different countries have significant role in further strengthening the diplomatic relation of the country. For instance, during his visit to South Korea Ethiopia’s role in the Korean war was given attention. During his stay, the PM has discussed on areas of economic cooperation, investment and others.
The discussion between Ethiopia and South Korea was fruitful. During the discussion ways to boost Ethiopian economy and modeling Korean development strategies were raised and the Korean government has promised to support Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Herald, September 4/2019
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
