China’s NDRC delegation to visit Ethiopia later this month

Addis Ababa, March 12, 2024 (FBC) – Tefera Derbew, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to China, engaged in discussions with Mr. Yan Change, Director at the Department of National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China.

Expressing gratitude during the meeting, Ambassador Tefera appreciated the team’s presence at the Embassy and the substantive exchange of ideas on concrete projects requiring implementation.

The Ambassador appreciated the commitment demonstrated by NDRC to discuss various projects with Ethiopian counterparts. He emphasized Ethiopia’s active participation and membership in the Belt and Road Initiative, presenting it as a potential success model for BRI in Africa.

Highlighting Ethiopia’s significant achievements in infrastructure projects through Belt and Road partnerships, Tefera recalled the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between Ethiopia and China during the third BRI Forum in October 2023. He underscored the imperative of translating these MOUs into action by engaging both parties into concrete action.

For his part, Mr. Yan Change highlighted more than 20 projects that NDRC is planning to discuss and negotiate in person with relevant Ethiopian government institutions. He further confirmed that his Commission’s delegation will travel to Ethiopia later this month, thereby requesting the Embassy’s support in facilitating and providing the necessary assistance for their travel.

Subsequently, Ambassador Tefera welcomed NDRC’s request and vowed to provide any necessary support to the delegation ahead of its proposed travel to Ethiopia and negotiations on various projects, as per the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing.