It is worth mentioning that Ethiopia is one of the earliest African nations to sign cooperation agreements for the joint development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This being the case, BRI has been greasing the wheels of Ethiopia’s speedy growth and modernization in the length and breadth of the country at the earliest possible juncture.
By the same token, on the heels of the promising strides of BRI, Ethiopia has sustained moving forward more than ever before catapulting its development initiatives in every corner of the country.
Frankly speaking, as the desired goal of the BRI is to achieve connectivity with a broad range of nations worldwide including Asia, Africa and Europe through a vast network of sea and road routes, all stakeholders should join hands with China to advance their respective nations to unprecedented heights or new frontiers as quickly as possible.
It goes without saying that China has been breathing new life into a broad range of development undertakings for various nations worldwide through the BRI initiative.
In an interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Tefera Derbew Yimam, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the People’s Republic of China said that 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.
He went on to say that 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.
It is abundantly clear that China is collaborating with various nations with a view to paving the way for trade, investment and similar things.
This partnership generally seeks to obtain expedited services and reduce barriers to trade, creating a better environment for business. In collaboration with China, these nations will work toward expediting transactions and economic interactions.
It is learnt that the Belt and Road Initiative also presents many unique opportunities to countries and international organizations. Just to mention a few, a broad framework for the integration of corridor development activities with other regional and sub-regional initiatives, and wider support for the development of integrated intermodal sustainable transport systems in Asia, Europe and other parts of the world.
The BRI has helped to deepen China’s relationships with developing countries around the world.
As effectuating the BRI plays a huge role in boosting trade, driving economic growth, accelerating regional growth, nations worldwide should work together with China to benefit from the initiative without batting an eye.
It is common knowledge that China is actively collaborating with various nations worldwide with a focus on accelerating the implementation of major transport infrastructural projects including railways, roads and ports, while advancing several other new connectivity projects.
It is certain that infrastructure interconnectivity shortens transit time and costs, expands investment and trade channels, and ensures world economic recovery from the pandemic.
As the intended target of China is to set up better conditions and prospects for trade and investment collaboration that lead to economic progress among various participating countries, they should continue joining hands.
There is no denying the fact that increased connectivity and infrastructure will drastically reduce the time and costs of transporting trade and investment. Furthermore, collaboration clearly demonstrates a strong acknowledgment of the need for engagement and interaction between civilizations.
In the present climate, with broad support and good response from the world, the Belt and Road Initiative is turning out to be a reality from the initial concept. Other than that, it has become the largest and most comprehensive platform in the world for international cooperation, creating huge opportunities and dividends for countries all over the world.
The collaboration of exchanges and involvement is fundamentally aimed at developing mutual understanding and learning between nations, expanding awareness of cultural exchanges, and creating partnerships among nations, ultimately leading to the establishment of a community of common progress.
It is evident that the BRI not only smooth the path of connectivity but also boosts understanding and cultural exchange among participating nations. What is more, each nation interacts with one another with the purpose of catapulting mutual understanding and trade. It also prepare the ground for a shared future of growth and prosperity in the shortest possible time on the grounds that nations come together to accomplish positive outcomes through the BRI.
If truth be told, taking part in the initiative makes certain that all parties, rather than just a few, benefit from augmented opportunities for investment and trade in the shortest possible time. By working together with China, nations can turn their dreams of speedy development and growth reality at the earliest possible juncture.
BY ADDISALEM MULAT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 1 APRIL 2025
