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ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) – Ethiopia and China enjoyed “rapid development in all perspectives” with strong mutual political trust, cooperation on China’s proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as well as cooperation on international affairs, the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Tan Jian said on Wednesday.
“Ethiopia is an indispensable partner for China in joint BRI advancement on the African continent. Ethiopia is one of the first African countries to sign cooperation documents in this regard,” Tan said at a press conference on Wednesday.
“Ethiopia firmly adheres to and actively supports the BRI. The importance of ties between the two countries goes beyond bilateral connotations, as it has become a model for China-Africa and South-South cooperation,” Tan said. .
Tan, who noted that China remains the largest trading partner and the largest source of foreign direct investment for Ethiopia, stressed that economic cooperation between the two countries will be promoted to a new level driven by the momentum gained from the China Forum. African Cooperation (FOCAC) and BRI.
Reiterating China’s “strong support” for Ethiopia’s development path in accordance with its own national conditions, Tan stressed that China supports the East African country’s efforts to safeguard sovereignty, develop its economy and improve the livelihoods of Ethiopia. people.
“This position is firm and it will not change,” he said.
The Chinese envoy also echoed earlier comments by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, emphasizing that “only the sky is the limit” of the ever-growing Ethiopia-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Association.
At the end of his service in Ethiopia, Tan also stressed that “during my tenure, we are pleased to see the rapid development of our friendship in all perspectives. Together, we made remarkable achievements.”
According to Tan, regarding the bilateral relations between China and Ethiopia, three areas which are mutual political trust, cooperation in BRI and cooperation in international affairs “mainly stand out.”
“Mutual political trust is the fundamental basis of our diplomatic relations,” Tan said, adding that the two countries have maintained frequent high-level exchanges, between governments, ruling parties, think tanks, social and cultural groups, as well as between the different countries. Two towns. .
Tan also stressed that Chinese companies have continued to vigorously participate in Ethiopia’s infrastructure projects, creating tens of thousands of jobs for the local population and strongly promoting the country’s economic and social development.
Regarding Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa Riverside Green Development Project, with the help of China, dubbed the Beautifying Sheger Project, Tan noted that the first phase has been completed.
“It is a modern and comprehensive project with tourism and relaxation functions. It is designed to meet the needs of the people, reflecting the civilization, cultural diversity and unity of Ethiopia. I believe it will be a new hallmark of Ethiopia and promote the economy services, creating jobs and generating income, “Tan told reporters.
According to Tan, Chinese businessmen are investing heavily in Ethiopia, in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, building materials, steel, ceramics, bamboo paper pulp, among others.
According to recent figures from the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC), as of the end of June 2020, Ethiopia approved more than 1,500 FDI projects from China, the FDI per stock amounts to around US $ 2.7 billion, representing 25% of all FDI projects. in Ethiopia this year.
Noting that industrialization, investment and infrastructure are crucial for Ethiopia’s development, the ambassador also stressed that “it is really encouraging to witness that all these areas are now more accessible and available in Ethiopia.”
“The efforts to carry out the necessary reforms are aimed at creating a better business environment to promote the economy,” Tan said. Final product
