A delegation from the Korea Specialty Contractors Association (KOSCA) held a business forum on Friday (December 12) at Skylight Hotel, bringing together Ethiopian officials and Korean business leaders to explore new areas of cooperation.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Dagato Kumbe, emphasized Korea’s remarkable journey to becoming a developed nation as a model for Africa. He highlighted Ethiopia’s homegrown economic reform agenda and strategic access to the wider African market, declaring, “Ethiopia is open for business and ready for partnership.”
The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ethiopia, Jung Kung, praised Addis Ababa as a symbol of Ethiopia’s dynamism and economic growth. He recalled the historic sacrifice of Ethiopian troops during the Korean War, underscoring that Ethiopia and Korea are not only friends but also partners in development. He pointed to past KOICA projects and stressed that the arrival of the KOSCA delegation reflects Korea’s readiness to deepen business ties with Ethiopia.
Ambassador Dawano Kedir, Director General for Middle East, Asia and Pacific Countries Affairs, on his part, noted that Ethiopia and Korea’s 70-year relationship must evolve into stronger business and investment opportunities. He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting Korean companies in Ethiopia.
Vice President of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectorial Association, Aynalem Abayneh, pledged to serve as a bridge between government and business communities, ensuring cooperation built on mutual benefit.
Sang Jin Kim, Ethiopia’s Honorary Consul General to Busan–Gyeongnam, emphasized the importance of technology transfer and proposed the establishment of a Korean-exclusive industrial park in Ethiopia. He paid tribute to Ethiopian soldiers who fought in the Korean War, calling the partnership “cemented by blood.”
Hak Soo Yoon, President of KOSCA, acknowledged Ethiopia’s significant contribution during the Korean War and praised the bravery of Ethiopian soldiers. He said the forum provides a platform for potential knowledge transfer, training, and joint cooperation in infrastructure, human development, and technology.
The forum also featured presentations from the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure Development, and concluded with an engaging Q&A session that allowed participants to exchange ideas and explore practical steps for future collaboration.