ADDIS ABABA – Ethio-China relation is a powerful testament to the effectiveness of the South-South cooperation, the Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD) announced.
This was announced at a forum on strengthening Africa-China cooperation organized by the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia.
In his opening speech, MoPD State Minister Bereket Fitsehatsion said that Ethiopia and China share a rich history of friendship and cooperation, which elevated to an All-Weather Strategic Partnership in October 2023.
The Ethio-China relations, has been built based on mutual respect and a commitment to development, have flourished over decades, from supporting each other’s struggles for independence to the current strategic collaboration, he added.
“Today, our partnership stands as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of South-South cooperation. China has become a vital partner in Ethiopia’s economic transformation, significantly contributing to our infrastructure development through projects financed by long-term loans and grants. The tangible benefits of this collaboration are deeply valued by our people.”
Besides, “China is the top source of Ethiopian imports, followed by India and the United States. China also ranks the 10th largest destination for Ethiopian exports, underscoring the depth of our economic ties,” he noted.
Over the last two decades, Chinese foreign direct investment has totaled 8.5 billion USD, with over 3,300 projects initiated. These investments provided 325,000 jobs, both permanent and temporary. “Since 2008, China has provided around 20 billion USD in loans, grants, and foreign direct investments, reflecting a strong commitment to Ethiopia’s economic development,” Bereket explained.
Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Chen Hai, stated that Ethiopia is a promising land of growth and collaboration and the country’s modernization process is moving forward rapidly.
He also emphasizes that Ethio-China relations and cooperation will be strengthened in three areas in the coming stage economic cooperation, diplomatic relations, and peace and stability efforts in the Horn of Africa.
In terms of economic cooperation, the relationship between the two countries will continue based on mutual benefit. “Ethiopia is a major African country with significant influence and distinct strengths in South-South cooperation. Hence, China will work closely with multilateral platforms such as the UN and the G20, strengthen BRICS collaboration, and amplify developing nations’ voices in international governance,” Hai said.
He elucidated that China will also assist Ethiopia in speeding the process of industrialization and agricultural modernization per the Ten Partnership Actions for China and Africa to Jointly Advance Modernization.
“Since Africa’s stability is important to humanity’s shared destiny and its voice deserves world attention, China will collaborate with Ethiopia to secure peace and development in the Horn of Africa, protect regional stability, and build a stable environment for Horn of Africa development”, he mentioned.
BY EPHREM ANDARGACHEW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 13 MARCH 2025
