Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced plans to deepen economic collaboration with Ethiopia during high-level talks on Sunday, emphasizing infrastructure development and green energy partnerships as part of Beijing's expanded Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) commitments.
Railway Revitalization and New Opportunities
The Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, a $4 billion BRI flagship project, will receive renewed focus to enhance regional connectivity. Premier Li stated China would support sustainable operations of the critical trade artery while expanding cooperation in electric vehicles, AI, and e-commerce sectors.
55 Years of Strategic Partnership
Highlighting 55 years of diplomatic relations, Li noted China's commitment to implementing zero-tariff treatment for 98% of Ethiopian exports under new Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) measures. The move aligns with President Xi Jinping's pledge to boost African development through technology transfer and capacity building.
Multilateral Alignment
With both nations representing the Global South, Li emphasized strengthened coordination in UN and BRICS frameworks to 'safeguard economic globalization.' The discussions occurred during China's participation in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where South-South cooperation remains a key agenda item.
