Remarks by Ambassador Tan Jian at the Adama Industrial Park Inauguration Ceremony

(7 October, 2018, Adama, Ethiopia)

Excellency Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed,

Excellency Mr. Lemma Megersa, President of Oromia Regional State,

Excellencies Ministers, Colleagues, Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

Today is Sunday. I recall PM Dr Abiy Ahmed has encouraged people to work seven days a week. Mr PM, we are answering your call.

Today is a big day, witnessing the inauguration of the AIP. Please allow me to make several points.

First, Ethiopia has good economic policies and great growth momentum.

Ethiopia has been pursuing the policy of industrialization, as evidenced by building industrial parks. Indeed, investment, industrialization and infrastructure -- I call it 3 “I”s -- are really important, in the absence of which we developing countries will remain at the bottom end of the global supply chain, selling only raw materials and primary agricultural products for just tiny bits of profit.

Not fair.

What is more impressing is the new development momentum that has been generated by the PM since his taking office only half a year ago. Like the ease of tensions in this sub-region, the launch of SOE privatization.

Very exciting.

Yes, there are difficulties and challenges, but they are growing pains. Ethiopia’s economic prospect is, for sure, very bright.

Second, we will contribute to the success of this IP.

My congratulations to CCECC for the building work.

It is one thing to build, another to run. I wish to assure Ethiopian colleagues that we will be happy to support and share lessons learned. A Chinese saying goes that we need good nest to attract phoenix. We are confident that you will make this IP a showcase.

I wish to encourage Chinese investors to invest more. I am happy to learn that Antex Group, a Chinese textile factory, has decided to operate in this IP, bringing in modern technologies.

I also encourage Chinese companies to prioritize human resources development. HR is more important than financial or natural resources; and human brains more important than human brawn. Let’s tap this bonanza. Let’s share the fishing techniques, rather than the fish.

Thirdly, we will enhance our development cooperation with Ethiopia.

The FOCAC Beijing Summit was successfully concluded last month, generating strong cooperation momentum between the two sides. We will follow up on the outcome. We will advance the Belt and Road Initiative, seeking synergy with your initiatives like the GTP. We will work together for a shared future!

This is not empty talk. For your information, between 18-20 this month, a very high level official delegation joined by CEOs of many major state-owned enterprises will visit Ethiopia.

Also in mid October, a large delegation from Hong Kong China will come to promote trade, investment and tourism cooperation.

In conclusion, I wish to say this.

Ethiopia is a great country. I feel honoured and proud to serve as Ambassador of China to Ethiopia.

As the only African country that has never been colonized, Ethiopia has inspired many to win political independence.

With its rapid growth, Ethiopia could again inspire other African countries to achieve economic development.

President Xi Jinping said, let’s roll up our sleeves to work harder.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said, let’s work seven days a week, and we will see change within two to three years.

Let’s redouble our efforts to deliver.

Thank you very much.

It’s really great to be with you on this Sunday.

Acronyms:

PM: Prime Minister.

IP: industrial Parks.

AIP: Adama Industrial Park.

GTP: Growth and Transformation Plan.

FOCAC: Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

HR: human resources.

SOE: State-owned enterprises.

CCECC: China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.