Addis Ababa, April 29, 2026 (FMC) — Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai has said that Ethiopia’s expanding business environment, strengthened by ongoing homegrown economic reforms, is drawing a growing number of Chinese investors seeking new opportunities.
Speaking to local newswire servie ENA, the Ambassador described Ethiopia and China as partners “on the path together towards modernization,” stressing that trade, investment, and broader economic cooperation remain central to the two countries’ strategic relations.
He noted that bilateral trade has maintained strong momentum in recent years, alongside a steady increase in Chinese entrepreneurs and investors entering the Ethiopian market to explore new ventures.
“Ethiopian federal and regional governments are making tremendous efforts and consistently improve the investment and business environment,” the Ambassador said.
He further pointed to sustained policy reforms and government initiatives aimed at improving the ease of doing business, saying these efforts are strengthening investor confidence.
While acknowledging existing challenges, he emphasized that coordinated efforts by Ethiopia, China, and the wider international community will support greater market openness and deeper economic reform.
The Ambassador identified industrialization, agricultural modernization, and human capital development as the three core pillars of China–Ethiopia economic cooperation, noting that Ethiopia’s growth trajectory continues to signal strong potential for expanded partnership.
He also highlighted a shift among Chinese investors from trade-focused engagement toward local manufacturing, saying this transition is contributing more directly to Ethiopia’s economic development.
He further underscored the importance of skills development initiatives, citing technical and vocational training programs, including the Luban Workshop in Addis Ababa, as key to building a skilled workforce and sustaining long-term cooperation.
“I’m very confident for the future,” he said, expressing optimism that investment flows and bilateral engagement will continue to deepen in the years ahead.