Hunan province of China hosted a conference with the aim of increasing market penetration for Ethiopian coffee varieties.
Launching the conference, Ethiopian President Taye Astke selassie said that the event was intended not only to discuss coffee but also to celebrate Ethio-China partnership which he described as being as “reach and enduring as coffee”.
The President also said “This conference is a testament to the dynamic spirit of cooperation between Ethiopia and China which is now at its zenith of all weather strategic partnership”.
Under the framework of China-Africa Cooperation, according to the him, Ethiopia has a vision to make agriculture, green development, trade and Foreign Direct Investment(FDI) “gateway to broader industrial transformation”.
He also added that his country has wanted to extend cooperation with China from agriculture to critical minerals and value added commodities.
According to the President, coffee industry accounts for 25 percent of the country’s employment, and constitutes 30 perect of foreign exchange earnings.
Ethiopian delegation members, and chinese officials including mayor of Zhuzhou city mayor were in attendance, state wire service ENA reported Today.
According to the report, Ethiopian delegation includes Ethiopia ambassador to China Tefera Derbew and other high-ranking ministerial officials.
China became the 4th largest destination for Ethiopian coffee this year, jumping from 33rd five years ago. During the previous year, Ethiopia managed to export 35,000 tones of Coffee to Chinese market.
