ADDIS ABABA – The diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Japan has been built on multifaceted economic cooperation in agriculture, health, infrastructural development, road maintenance equipment, and assisting the provision of education and trainings, according to the Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopia.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Ambassador Daisuke Matsunaga said that Ethiopia and Japan established diplomatic relations and signed a treaty of friendship back to 1930s especially at the time of Emperor Hailesellasie’s coronation. This year, the two countries marked 90 years anniversary of their diplomatic relations, he noted.
“Even after the World War II, Emperor Haile-sellasie was the very first state guest of Japan. He was impressed with the beauty of the Japanese Garvin architect; he wanted to replicate one in his national palace. Garvin was here from 1958 to 1963. He is now 90 years old and his body is healthy and in good condition.”
As to the Ambassador, JICA’s support is continuing for the past two decades; particularly in human capital and other socio-economic developments through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and UNDPs.
It has been supporting Ethiopia’s water supply management and operations since the last five years through providing international practical trainings. For instance, in collaboration with JICA, the Ethiopia Water Technology Institute provides various experience sharing and hands-on trainings for experts of East African countries to improve their skills, and management of water supply, he added.
“JiCA’s support to the water sector is not only sharing experiences but also improving their expertise in water management as well as provision of training equipment. Moreover, they will hopefully be able to establish human contact and connection; so that, they can cooperate each other,” Ambassador Daisuke said.
As to him, the Japan government has provided support for the upcoming Ethiopia’s general election preparation; provision of ballot boxes through the United Nations Development Program.
“We have been providing loans for women entrepreneurs, which will be done in three steps from Ethiopian development bank, and microfinance organizations. Also we have agreed at the time of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s attendance at TICAD Tokyo International conference that we decided to provide loans for road construction in coffee producing areas.”
Thus, women entrepreneurs can export coffee more efficiently; likewise, Ethiopia can earn more foreign exchange, the Ambassador commented.
Toshio Ida, Deputy Chief of Mission, at his moment, the bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Japan are very cordial and well-thought-of.
The embassy of Japan to Ethiopia has been doing very hard to strengthen the various development activities between the two countries, he said.
As to Toshio, since the two countries celebrate 90 years anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, they are now in good track to learn each other and work together in many aspects, he noted.
Though Ethiopia has also suitable investment climate, it is important to attract business from overseas here in the industrial parks particularly in water and electricity supply, which is a prerequisite to continue their production, the Ambassador highlighted.
The Ethiopian Herald February 14/2020
BY ZELALEM GIRMA
