PM Abiy visits Yangshan Port in Shanghai

Addis Ababa, October 19, 2023 (FBC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) today visited the Yangshan Port in Shanghai, the Office of the Prime Minister disclosed.

Prior to his visit to the Yangshan Port, the Prime Minister, together with his high-level delegation, also visited the Shanghai Stock Exchange and Huawei Center in Shanghai city earlier today.

Recall that Prime Minister Abiy and his ministerial delegation arrived in China a few days ago for official working visit and to partake in the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing.

Since then, the Premier held several bilateral discussions with the Chinese President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Li Qiang, the President of New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff, and other officials.

In a meeting with President Xi Jinping, the two leaders announced announced the elevation of partnership between the two countries from Comprehensive and Enduring Strategic Cooperative Partnership level to an All Weather Strategic Cooperation Partnership level.

Testament to the latest announcement by the two leaders, Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese pharmaceutical and agro-processing enterprises. Three of the firms that inked the MoU are all set to invest in Ethiopia, according to the Chief Commissioner.

Meanwhile, PM Abiy’s discussion with the Chinese Premier focused on ways of enhancing economic cooperation between Ethiopia and China. Premier Li Qiang highlighted that both countries are developing and emerging economies that can seek ways of growing together. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, on his part, shared the multifaceted growth objectives of the government and development achievements gained thus far. He further emphasized the need to expand trade partnership with China. Following the bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Premier Li Qiang presided over the signing of 12 cooperation agreements and 2 letters of intent in various fields.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), while addressing the third BRI forum, shared the genesis of Sino-African relations and the strong basis for cooperation set by the BRI in infrastructure development within the African continent. He further highlighted Africa’s growing influence citing the importance of ensuring multilateralism is inclusive.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s second engagement on Wednesday (18) included addressing participants of the 3rd BRI High Level Forum on the theme of “Connectivity in an Open Global Economy.” PM Abiy shared the successes of the Belt and Road Initiative in Ethiopia and called for deepening of agriculture sector cooperation and intensifying industry centered development cooperation.

“Infrastructure used to bridge rather than divide offers value and builds trust,” he said.