Addis ababa: Ethiopia is becoming an increasingly attractive investment destination, especially in agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, and mining, Trade and Regional Integration State Minister Endalew Mekonnen said. The Ethiopia-China (Shaanxi) Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference was held in Addis Ababa today.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, addressing the conference, State Minister Endalew noted that the country is becoming an attractive investment destination, further revealing that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is also instrumental in strengthening regional integration and market access. “We are also proud to have commenced exports under the AfCFTA framework as of October 9, 2025, strengthening regional integration and market access,” he added.
The State Minister emphasized the deep-rooted and strong relationships shared between China and Ethiopia, adding that the government views China as a valuable partner in building sustainable growth across Africa. He expressed that the conference is more than a meeting; it is a platform to deepen economic ties, expand business opportunities, and address shared challenges.
Investment Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen remarked that Ethiopia has been making efforts to attract quality foreign direct investment that aligns with the nation’s core investment objectives. The Ethiopian government has opened various economic sectors to increase the participation of foreign investors in the economy. The commissioner also noted that Ethiopia is offering highly competitive incentives to both foreign and domestic investors, urging Chinese investors to consider Ethiopia’s manufacturing, ICT, mining, and renewable energy sectors.
During the occasion, Charg© d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, Sun Mingxi, reaffirmed that China is ready to further elevate the partnership between the two countries to a new level. Similarly, Dewano Kedir, Middle East, Asia and Pacific Countries Director-General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted that Ethiopia and China are enjoying an “all-weather strategic cooperation partnership,” emphasizing that China remains Ethiopia’s largest trading partner. This partnership has been marked by deep collaboration in infrastructure, trade, and development.