May 16 , 2025
he Ethiopia-China (Xinjiang) Business Cooperation and Exchange Conference was held at the Sheraton Addis Hotel in Addis Ababa on Tuesday (May 13). The conference brought together senior government officials and representatives of various companies and chambers of commerce of both countries.
In his opening remarks, State Minister for Political and Economic Diplomacy Affairs, Ambassador Hadera Abera said, the conference provides a vital opportunity to further deepen our growing economic and trade partnership—not only between Ethiopia and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, but between Ethiopia and China more broadly. “Your presence here today is a clear testament to the enduring friendship between our peoples and our shared ambition for inclusive development and mutual prosperity,” Ambassador Hadera stated.
Alluding to the longstanding Ethiopia-China diplomatic relations anchored with strategic partnership and rooted in mutual trust, dynamic cooperation, and enduring people-to-people connections, the State Minister pointed out that “ This relationship is anchored not only in a legacy of historical solidarity but also in a shared, forward-looking vision for joint prosperity through meaningful economic engagement.” He noted,
“Our unwavering commitment to the Ethiopia–China All-Weather Strategic Partnership reflects a deep dedication to mutual support and collaboration—regardless of external circumstances—guided by the conviction that economic strength is the foundation of lasting political autonomy and national resilience.”
While our current investment and trade relations are encouraging, he further mentioned, there remains vast untapped potential, particularly at the sub-national level. Events such as this are critical platforms to unlock new opportunities, foster business-to-business ties, and leverage complementary strengths in areas such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy, logistics, and digital innovation, he added. Citing the significant contribution of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China in boosting trade and investment in key sectors, Ambassador Hadera stated that the event is a testament to Ethiopia’s focus on nurturing sub-national diplomacy as a new frontier of economic cooperation. He stated that strengthening relations with a vibrant and strategically important region like Xinjiang opens new frontiers for trade, technology exchange, and joint industrial growth.
Citing Ethiopia’s key strategic location that makes it a natural gateway to Africa, the State Minister also highlighted Ethiopia’s pivotal role in actively advanced regional integration and cross-border infrastructure through mechanisms such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Notably, the Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway (EDR), a footprint project under the BRI, is a shining example of what strong Ethiopia–China cooperation can deliver, he cited.
Speaking of the multifaceted and longstanding benefits Ethiopia gains from China in infrastructure, technology transfer, industrialization, and human capital development fields, Ambassador Hadera noted the bold reform agenda under the Homegrown Economic Reform (HGER)Program by the Government that includes modernizing key sectors, improving the investment climate, and advancing market liberalization. In this regard, he called on the Xinjiang business community to explore these promising developments and seize the wide-ranging investment opportunities available in Ethiopia, particularly in agriculture, energy, agro-processing, textile manufacturing, and logistics. He also stressed the fact that Ethiopia is keen to expand agricultural cooperation, learning from Xinjiang’s remarkable success in modern agriculture and its strength in green energy.
State Minister of Industry, Tarekegn Bululta, also emphasized the increasing partnership in economic development between Ethiopia and China. Promoting sustainable industrial development cooperation in key sectors such as investment, agro-processing, textiles, and technological innovation coupled with research and development is the utmost priority of the government, as espoused by HGER, he noted. He also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to further advancing collaboration in the industry sector.
Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Chen Hai, on his part said, Ethiopia is a major economic and fast-growing partner in Africa that his country is keen on working closely with. He also mentioned Ethiopia’s recent membership in BRICS as an opportunity to further deepen bilateral cooperation while encouraging Chinese investors from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in this regard to explore opportunities in Ethiopia in light of the conducive investment milieu instituted by the Ethiopian government.
Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Zeleke Temesgen, said that the two countries enjoy great and evolving relations topped with significant development cooperation. He added, Ethiopia continues to be a highly attractive destination for trade and investment in Africa and a prime regional hub for intra-regional trade and investment in key sectors.
Head of the Chinese (Xinjiang) Business Delegation and Governor of the People’s Government of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, Erkin Tuniyaz, in his remarks stated that China-Ethiopia cooperation is a model for China-Africa cooperation in the economic field.
After the remarks, representatives of various government entities and businesses on both sides made presentations on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and culture between the two countries.
The deliberations culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Xinjiang Council aimed at strengthening sub-national economic and trade cooperation between China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Ethiopia.