Japan Dev’t Institute touts Ethiopia as conducive to develop Special Economic Zones

Addis Ababa, January 21, 2025 (FMC) – The CEO of Industrial Parks Development Corporation of Ethiopia (IPDC), Fisseha Yitagesu (PhD) stated that his corporation is looking to tap into the vast experience of the Japan Development Institute (JDI) in developing special economic zone in his country.

The IPDC chief disclosed the intent to work closely with JDI during his meeting today with the chairman of the Institute, Shoichi Kobayashi.

On the occasion, both dignitaries agreed on the importance of enhancing investment flows into Ethiopia’s special economic zones.

The IPDC CEO mentioned the importance of working in cooperation with the institute to increase the flow of investment in the Ethiopian special economic zones run by corporation.

Shoichi Kobayashi, on his part, emphasized Ethiopia’s untapped potential for SEZ development, stressing that JDI’s extensive experience in developing SEZs across the globe would be invaluable to Ethiopia’s growth.

In response, Feseha reaffirmed the IPDC’s readiness to fully leverage the expertise JDI has gained from consulting on over 350 SEZ projects in more than 75 countries worldwide.

The Japan Development Institute (JDI) is an independent think tank/consulting firm, specialized in international development. It was first established in 1982 as the World Consultant Service (WCS) and later changed its name as JDI after merging with the think tank of the Institution of Engineering Consulting Firms Association, Japan (ECFA) in 1997. With its experienced experts from numerous disciplines and the network with its associate institutions and experts in the world, JDI provides a broad range of consulting services in the field of development, carries out practical studies, and proposes concrete projects and strategies.