Addis Ababa, July 5, 2023 (FBC) – Corporate Responsibility Forum of Chinese Companies in Ethiopia held in Addis Ababa under the theme “Join Hands with Ethiopia for a Win-Win Future”.
In his opening remarks during the forum organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Addis Ababa, Ambassador of China to Ethiopia, Zhao Zhiyuan stated that the forum is unique for it has taken place at a time when the 10 Anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative is underway worldwide.
Ambassador Zhao Zhiyuan noted the Chinese companies operating in Ethiopia are committed more than ever before to discharge their social responsibilities by ensuring socio economic benefit of the communities in the areas where they are operating.
Saying that Chinese companies have contributed their share in the socio economic development of Ethiopia over the past decade, the Ambassador reaffirmed commitment to attract more investors interested to tap growing opportunities in the country.
Chinese companies actively participated in construction of major development infrastructures over the decade as per the Belt and Road Initiative, created job opportunities and helped increase foreign currency, the Ambassador said, adding that the enterprises are contributing to healthier environment in the areas where they are operating.
The Ambassador added that China is committed to boost diplomatic and economic ties with Ethiopia in bilateral, regional and international fora besides enhancing cooperation in the trade and investment spheres.
Chief Executive Officer of Industrial Parks Development Corporation, Aklilu Tadesse, for his part, said Chinese investors constitute one third of the operators in industrial parks of the country, adding that they are supporting the efforts underway to make Ethiopia an investment hub of Africa.
Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Lelise Neme, in her remark on the forum, stated that the Government of Ethiopia has been implementing comprehensive reform and put in place incentives to create favorable investment climate for foreign businesses, calling Chinese companies to seize the burgeoning opportunities in the country.
Chinese companies are said to have actively engaged in agro processing, pharmaceuticals, construction, leather, garment and textile manufacturing sectors, and more investors from the country are invited to explore opportunities in the energy sector so as to play their share in efforts being carried out to realize regional integration.
Diplomatic corps in the Chinese Embassy in Addis Ababa, officials of Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Addis Ababa, Chinese investors, leadership of enterprises and high level government officials of Ethiopia were in attendance of the forum.
By Wondesen Aregahegn