The Ethiopian herald had a short stay with Ambassador Fitsum Arega, Ethiopian Ambassador to America. Excerpts:
The Ethiopian Herald: How do you see the longstanding Ethio-America’s diplomatic relations?
Ambassador Fitsum Arega: The Ethio-America’s relation is more than a century old. It was started in 1903. Ethiopia is the first African country to establish a diplomatic relation with US. But when we see the relation of both countries in the prism of mutual benefits, we should have had a better one.
Recently, during the past year and half, since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) came to power, the relation between the two countries has solidified more. It is growing stronger and stronger. To capitalize that, we need to attract more investors to improve our relations in the sphere of trade, tourism and diplomacy.
Herald: What is the current level of Ethio-America’s investment relations?
Ambassador Fitsum: When we see the economic relation between the two countries, Ethiopia is one of the US allies in terms of imports. Ethiopia mainly imports aircrafts like Boeing and high tech equipment from US, while it exports agricultural products to US. Coffee is one of the agricultural products that Ethiopia exports to US.
Still, there are things left to be done. We need to attract more investor to fill the gap when it comes to trade relations between both countries.
The political and economic reform in Ethiopia is showcasing a monumental impetus for both countries relations and investors. Currently, many investors are skimming to IT sectors, power, agriculture, green energy and technology. On 16 May, 2019, we had a big conference in the Washington DC. From the State Department, more than 400 companies showed their interests. In addition, we had a follow up meeting in our embassy. Due to that a big delegation visited Ethiopia.
So, we believe that out relation is being more tangible than before and we are working on the details.
Herald: How did you assess the Ethio-America’s allegiance in peace- keeping?
Ambassador Fitsum: Ethiopia and America have been a great ally in terms of peace-keeping and security issues. It is one of the strongest relations between both countries. They have to see to its furtherance. Under the UN flag Ethiopia has turned one of the biggest allies in fighting terrorism in the region. USA has been commanding the ongoing effort. Recently, there was a joint military training between America and Ethiopia. What we are lacking is our economic relation is not as vibrant as the peace keeping ones.
Now, we are more focusing on reinforcing our economic relations.
Herald: How is the Diaspora trust fund going?
Ambassador Fistum: The announcement was made by the Prime Minister last year. But, the official establishment of the fund dates not more than seven months. Given that, the fund that has been mobilized in the course of a short period of time, which does not exceed, a year is 5 million USD. This has never been achieved in any country in the world. So, this is a big effort by the Ethiopian Diasporas.
Some people say this is too small because the capacity of diaspora is more than that. When we talk to them, some are not comfortable with the way because the exertion uses only the credit card, while many do not have that or do not like to use it for various reasons. Alternative mechanisms are identified by diaspora trust fund counseling as well as the secretariat. It is going to be implemented soon.
The other thing is for what purpose is it going to be used. Whenever one mobilizes fund, people tend to see the purpose. Though they know the purpose they want to see the projects on the ground and the projects are still not well identified. Once we get done with the identification, I hope we will see lot of funds on the board.
The support during the last four months in the US is overwhelming. I had a privilege to visit fourteen cities and meet more than tens of thousands of Ethiopian Diasporas. During our discussion, this was one other issue that we had raised. They have a fervent passion to support the development of the country of origin. We think they are living abroad but their spirit is always with their motherland. They are only living there physically. They want to do something for their country. They have a strong desire to support their people and country.
So, the Diaspora trust fund is one of the opportunities to quench their thirst and we need to capitalize on that. Hopefully, in the just ensued Ethiopian year much more will be collected.
Herald: What is America’s view regarding the ongoing change in the country?
Ambassador Fistum: They have been expressing their views in many ways. They tell us a private-sector-led one is a better way to grow. They believe that it was that way America developed. As such they strongly suggest that any country, who would like to be transformed like America, must follow suit. Since the change took shape in the country, we have announced our framework with the private sector-led economic system. We are waiting to see the implementation. In general, they have a good hope on the changes and wish other countries to undergo the same phase we did.
Herald: How did you observe the relation among the Ethiopian Diasporas in the US?
Ambassador Fitsum: The diaspora communities in the US are like the people who are living here. There are issues that they agree on and there are the issues on which they beg to differ. They also understand the challenges in the Ethiopia’s economy and problems in handling the diversity. Just like the presence of people who have different views here, Diasporas have their own different views.
Most of them have political views because they believe that they left the country due to the political tumult that rocked the country. In addition, a significant number of them have economic reasons to have a better life. So, they display commonalties and differences.
Vividly, the Diasporas in the US had a great contribution in bringing this change. So, they want to be part of the change. They want to wield influence on the politics in the country. Personally, I do not see any problem with that. They are expressing their views .Some are staging demonstrations, while others are seeking outlets in discussion platforms and social media.
What I strongly encourage them is that they should dig deep to find the truth before they react. They should question things before they take positions.
In addition, they have to get out of hate speeches and mudslinging. They should focus on the substance. What I have learned is that they are reasonable people and what we are lacking is we are not engaging them enough.
Since I took office, things are getting better. But since the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) came to US and shared the idea of synergy and unity, most people have begun to rally behind the change. What I have done is to continue that legacy through different forums organized in different towns and social media engagements.
So, as long as we engage them, they tell us their frustrations, fears, challenges, and hope before they take action and position. So we should engage them.
Herald:
What plans must be there to take aboard Ethiopian elites in building the
country anew?
Ambassador Fitsum: I believe most of them are educated. Those who are in productive ages want to stay for different reasons. But, there are people who want to contribute their own share to the development of the country in different ways. They have the willingness to engage in investment, teaching, and technological transfer. Some are doing it online, while others are willing to come back to their motherland.
They can write policies, books, recommendation and contribute to the country. Coming to the country might not be necessary but we have to make things conducive for them to make them contribute more.
There are universities that directly contacted them and we are also facilitating that. Few people are coming but most would like to contribute from where they live.
Herald: What foreign policies gain is registered since the change took place in the country?
Ambassador Fistum: As you have frequently heard on the news, the country has become the headlines of many Medias. Many people have been stripped off the right to come back to their country. They have now got the chance to come to their country. The country’s political landscape has become even to accommodate every Ethiopians. In addition, policy shifts have been made to support the new private- led economic policies. World Bank and other bilateral and multilateral institutions are channeling supports. Our focus oversees is to find resources to irrigate this new reforms policy.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition September 22/2019
BY AMBO MEKASA
