Officials and scholars from Ethiopia and China on Wednesday praised the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for its significant role in promoting socioeconomic development in Ethiopia and beyond.
They made the remarks at a BRI-themed symposium held in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, attended by about 50 senior Ethiopian and Chinese officials, former Ethiopian students who had studied in China, as well as academia and other stakeholders.
Gebeyehu Ganga, director-general of the Middle East, Asia and Pacific Affairs at the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the evolution of the BRI since its inception in 2013 into a global platform for open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial international cooperation.
“As we enter its second decade, the BRI continues to drive socioeconomic development in participating countries, including Ethiopia. Ethiopia, as a gateway to Africa, stands as a pioneer in China-Africa cooperation, serving as a vital connecting hub on the continent and a steadfast partner of China in promoting collaboration through common platforms,” he said.
Ganga pointed out the tangible benefits of BRI infrastructure and connectivity projects in Ethiopia, particularly citing the Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway line, which has significantly improved Ethiopia’s import-export channels.
He said the BRI played an important role in catalyzing Ethiopia’s development aspirations by supporting the establishment of industrial parks and laying the groundwork for the growth of manufacturing industries in the East African country.
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