In response to the Belt and Road Initiative and to explore new opportunities for China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, a delegation of 25 people, led by Xu Wenqian, Chairman of Jiangsu Aosheng Composite Materials Technology Co., Ltd. and President of the District Overseas Chinese Business Association, including Executive Vice President Pan Ding, recently embarked on a business trip to Ethiopia. During this trip, the delegation engaged in in-depth discussions with Ethiopian investment policies and industrial resources through government-business dialogues, industrial park visits, and exchanges with overseas Chinese businesspeople. This laid a solid foundation for establishing future cooperation mechanisms and actively explored new paths for international trade cooperation.

I. Government Collaboration: Jointly Exploring New Development Opportunities

Upon arrival in Ethiopia, the delegation held a thematic seminar with Zeleke Temesgen, Chairman of the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC). Chairman Temesgen systematically introduced Ethiopia's investment attraction policies, emphasizing the country's status as one of Africa's fastest-growing economies and the government's strong commitment to attracting foreign investment and promoting economic development. President Xu Wenqian, on behalf of the delegation, expressed gratitude for the warm reception from the EIC and conducted in-depth discussions on the potential for cooperation in areas such as infrastructure construction and manufacturing investment. Both sides agreed that strengthening communication and cooperation could achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, jointly promoting the rapid development of Ethiopia's economy.

President Xu Wenqian presented gifts on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce.

II. Overseas Chinese Business Network: Uniting Forces for Development

The Ethiopian Association for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China (HEPC), an important organization within the local Chinese community, has been committed to promoting exchange and cooperation among Chinese businesses. At the meeting, HEPC representatives provided a detailed overview of the current development status, challenges, and future directions of Chinese businesses in Ethiopia. Delegation members listened attentively and offered constructive suggestions on how to strengthen cooperation among Chinese businesses and enhance their competitiveness. Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening ties and cooperation to jointly create a more favorable environment for the development of Chinese businesses in Ethiopia.

President Xu Wenqian presented gifts on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce.

III. Industrial Parks: Exploring Hotbeds for Industrial Cooperation

At the Oriental Industrial Park, Li Wei, Vice President of the Overseas Chinese Business Association and representative of the park, provided the delegation with a detailed explanation of the park's industrial layout, local policy environment, and employment situation. His development experience of "industrial cluster + localized employment" sparked lively discussion among the delegation. The delegation also visited the Oriental Textile Printing and Dyeing Factory and Sansheng Pharmaceutical within the park.

The delegation visited the Kilinto Industrial Park, which is currently under construction. The park's management provided a detailed overview of the park's construction progress, future plans, and investment attraction policies. The park officials stated that Kilinto Industrial Park, as one of Ethiopia's key industrial development projects, aims to become a regional manufacturing hub, providing resident companies with first-class infrastructure and preferential policy support.

The delegation also visited iconic sites such as Addis Ababa University and the African Union Building, further deepening their understanding of Ethiopia's history, culture, and social development.

During this business trip to Ethiopia, the delegation engaged in multiple rounds of efficient and pragmatic exchanges with Ethiopian government departments, local Chinese chambers of commerce, and business representatives. They not only deeply connected with local investment policies and industrial resources but also gained a comprehensive understanding of Ethiopia's business environment and market potential through site visits to industrial parks. Moving forward, the Overseas Chinese Business Association will leverage this opportunity to fully utilize its resources and role as a bridge between the overseas Chinese community and businesses, actively building platforms for government-business communication and cross-border economic and trade cooperation, contributing the strength of overseas Chinese businesses to the Belt and Road Initiative.

Content source: Suzhou Wujiang District Overseas Chinese Business Association