High-level Ethiopia-China Investment Forum held in Beijing 

Addis Ababa, February 25, 2023 (FBC) – The High-level Ethiopia-China Investment Forum co-organized by Ethiopian Embassy and Chinese Investment Promotion Agency (CIPA) held in Beijing.  In the forum the Delegation led by the Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, the Director General of CIPA and the CEOs from many Chinese anchor companies participated. 

Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide welcomed and commended the participants for their prompt response to the Embassy’s call to attend the high-level forum and said the presence in the forum signifies continued commitment and devotion to further strengthen the fraternal relationship that exists between Ethiopia and China. 

Stating that over the years of steadily growing relationship, China and Ethiopia have become friends in need and friends indeed, he said,  currently China as a development partner of Ethiopia, has been making a significant contribution for Ethiopia’s stellar economic and social growth.

According to Ahmed Shide, the physical, economic and social infrastructure projects undertaken by Chinese public and private enterprises are not only making a real difference in the livelihood of Ethiopians but also building Ethiopia as a competitive and attractive destination for foreign direct investment. 

Liu Dianxun, Director General of CIPA on his part emphasized, Ethiopia and China have undertaken fruitful cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, infrastructure, public health, among others. At the end of 2022, the FDI stock by Chinese enterprises in Ethiopia has reached US$3.3 billion, which ranked first in Africa. 

Lelise Nami, Commissioner of Ethiopian Investment Commission has briefed in details to audience on investment potential and opportunities in Ethiopia and commitment of the government. She called upon the companies to make Ethiopia as a primary investment destination.

At the forum, the panel discussion is conducted by including the head of Ethiopian delegation Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance, Mamo Mihretu, the Governor of National Bank, Eyob Tekalegn, V-Minister of Finance, Lelise Nami, Investment Commissioner and Brook Taye, Director General of Capital Market Authority. The panel was moderated by Ambassador Dawano Kedir, Deputy Head of Mission and who is currently Chargé d’affaire of Ethiopian Embassy 

The points raised in the panel were focusing on among others, Ethiopia’s economic performance and future economic projections, the undergoing reforms by the government of Ethiopia to prompt economic growth, homegrown economic reform, the newly opened investment priority sectors, and the Ethiopian Capital Market.

Officials from Higher Government Institutions like MOFCOM, CIPA and CCOIC, and from 180 anchor companies in the areas of Pharmaceuticals, Construction, Cement, Mining, Steel, Textile, Energy, Telecom, Chemical and others participated in the forum.