The Ethiopian Herald recently approached Tefera Derbew, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the People’s Republic of China. He touched upon a broad range of issues revolving around Ethio-China relations. No doubt, china has remained Ethiopia’s largest trading partner and a significant source of investment and some other crucial engagements for booming common good.
What is your reflection towards the current state of bilateral relations between Ethiopia and China?
Thank you and I am pleased to highlight the robust and evolving relationship between Ethiopia and China. In October 2023, during Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) visit to Beijing, China, Ethiopia and China elevated their ties to an “all-weather strategic partnership,” reflecting our deep mutual trust and shared aspirations.
China remains Ethiopia’s largest trading partner and a significant source of investment. Chinese enterprises are actively engaged in various sectors, including manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy contributing to Ethiopia’s development.
Additionally, educational exchanges, scholarships, and cultural programs have deepened people-to-people ties, fostering greater understanding between our two nations. Ethiopian students studying in China and Chinese experts working in Ethiopia serve as a bridge that enhances mutual understanding and cultural appreciation.
Institutions such as the Confucius Institute in Ethiopia and Beijing Foreign Studies University have played a vital role in promoting both the Chinese and Amharic languages and cultures, just as Ethiopian culture is gaining popularity in China.
What have been the key milestones in Ethiopia-China relations over the past decade?
Over the past decade, Ethiopia and China have strengthened their diplomatic and economic ties, building a relationship based on mutual trust and shared development goals. High-level visits and Ethiopia’s active participation in BRI and FOCAC have deepened cooperation, making Ethiopia a key partner in China’s global development strategy.
China has played a major role in transforming Ethiopia’s infrastructure and constructing some of the key projects such as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway and the Addis Ababa Light Rail. Industrial parks developed with Chinese investment have boosted Ethiopia’s manufacturing sector, creating jobs and enhancing the country’s economic growth.
Trade between the two nations has also expanded, with China remaining Ethiopia’s largest trading partner, importing Ethiopian agricultural products and investing in various sectors.
The partnerships between the countries have also demonstrated resilience in times of global challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ethiopia and China stood together, providing each other with essential support. Whether through medical aid, knowledge-sharing or economic recovery efforts, our friendship was tested and proven strong.
Looking ahead, two countries will continue to expand cooperation in technology, green energy, and the digital economy, ensuring a future of sustainable development and prosperity for both nations.
What are the most significant areas of Chinese investment in Ethiopia, and how do they contribute to the Ethiopian economy?
China investment in Ethiopia plays a transformative role in our economic development, strengthening key sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, telecommunications, agriculture, and mining.
These investments have enhanced industrialization, improved connectivity, and fostered job creation. Projects like industrial parks and transport networks have positioned Ethiopia as a one of the manufacturing hub in Africa, while advancements in energy and digital infrastructure support sustainable growth.
What are the main sectors where Ethiopia seeks to attract Chinese investment and what opportunities exist for Chinese businesses?
Well, our country is open for business, and we value our strong partnership with China. Ethiopia is one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, and we welcome Chinese companies to be part of our success story.
Ethiopia is also rich in natural resources and has a young, hardworking population. We are building modern infrastructure, including roads, railways, industrial parks and free trade zone, making it easier to do business. Our government provides incentives such as tax breaks, duty-free imports of machinery, and easy access to land for investors.
There are many sectors where Chinese businesses can find great opportunities. Manufacturing is a top priority, as we aim to become the industrial hub of Africa. Chinese companies can set up factories to produce textiles, leather goods, electronics, and machinery. Agriculture is also a key area, with vast fertile land and great potential for agro-processing, such as food and beverage production.
Ethiopia welcomes Chinese investment in key sectors in manufacturing such as textiles and garment, leather and leather products, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, mining, technology, and tourism. With modern infrastructure, government incentives, and a growing economy, Ethiopia offers great opportunities for Chinese businesses. Our strong partnership with China creates a win-win for growth and development.
What efforts are being made to elevate the relationship between Ethiopia and China to a higher level of success?
Our efforts to elevate the relationship between Ethiopia and China focus on enhancing trade, investment, infrastructure development, education, and cultural exchange. We are working closely to attract more Chinese investments, especially in manufacturing, agriculture, mining, tourism and technology sectors. In addition to these, digital economy, air cargo connectivity, green energy, enhanced vocational training in engineering and IT.
We are also collaborating on large-scale projects like roads, railways, and energy, which contribute to our economic growth. Additionally, we are providing more opportunities for Ethiopian students to study in China and offering technical training to improve skills. Through regular diplomatic meetings and cultural exchanges, we aim to deepen our mutual understanding and create a stronger, more prosperous partnership for both countries.
What measures are being made to enhance people-to-people connections between Ethiopia and China?
Well, to enhance people-to-people connections between the two nations, we are focusing on several key measures. These include promoting cultural exchanges through events like art exhibitions, language programs, and festivals to foster mutual understanding.
We are also encouraging student exchanges and scholarships to allow more Ethiopians to study in China and vice versa. Additionally, we are supporting partnerships between schools, universities, and youth organizations to facilitate collaboration and friendship. By increasing tourism, business exchanges, and collaborative projects, we aim to build stronger personal connections that contribute to the growing bond between our people. Two countries are also fostering cooperation in university to university, sister city affiliation, media collaborations and institutional exchanges.
What is the present status of the Belt and Road Initiative in Ethiopia?
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Ethiopia has made significant progress. China has invested in key infrastructure projects, such as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, road networks, and industrial parks. These projects have boosted Ethiopia’s connectivity and economic development. Additionally, the BRI has supported Ethiopia in sectors like energy, agriculture, and manufacturing. Overall, the initiative is strengthening Ethiopia’s position as a regional hub for trade and investment, contributing to the country’s growth and modernization.
As the ambassador, what has been your most memorable experience in fostering Ethiopia-China relations?
My memorable experience is to see the continued strengthening of the relationship between Ethiopia and China. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is witnessing the growing collaboration in all fields that led to elevation of bilateral relationship to an all-weather strategic partnership. The collaboration has brought tangible benefits to our country, improving local manufacturing capacity in trade and connectivity.
Additionally, I have seen a positive increase in people-to-people exchanges, with more Ethiopian students studying in China and cultural events creating a deeper mutual understanding between our nations.
What lessons can Ethiopia draw from China?
Ethiopia can draw valuable lessons from its relationship with China, particularly in the areas of talent cultivation, modernizing agriculture, technology and innovation, AI and digital economy, infrastructure development, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.
China’s success in investing in large-scale infrastructure projects, such as railways and energy, highlights the importance of long-term planning for growth. Moreover, the strong trade and investment ties between the two countries demonstrate the power of economic partnerships in driving development. Additionally, fostering educational and cultural exchanges has proven crucial in building lasting diplomatic relations. Ethiopia can also learn from China`s success in poverty alleviation.
Is there anything else you would like to convey about the Ethiopian-Chinese partnership that we haven’t discussed yet, perhaps?
Yes, last week, Ethiopia and China celebrated the 55th Years Anniversary of their diplomatic relations with the grand celebration under the theme “55 Years: A Legacy of Strong Partnership for Shared Prosperity” The celebration was attended by high-ranking officials, including Mr. Chen Xiaodong, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, who was the guest of honor and Mr. Martin Mpapa, Dean of the African Ambassadors to China. More than 500 Participants including esteemed business leaders, Ambassadors representatives from AU, UN, EU and Ethiopian community members in China attended the event. The celebration featured cultural performances from Ethiopia and China, highlighted the deep- rooted ties between the two nations.
I believe the past 55 years have been a journey of shared progress, and the next chapter premises even greater achievements. Ethiopia and China`s friendship is not merely a diplomatic relationship-It is a Legacy of cooperation, trust, and shared prosperity.
BY ADDISALEM MULAT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 1 APRIL 2025
