Addis Ababa, December 27, 2025 (FMC) — President Taye Atske-Selassie said Ethiopia’s coffee cooperation with China extends beyond trade in coffee beans and serves as a foundation for broader industrial transformation and deeper economic partnership between the two countries.
The President made the remarks in a video message delivered to participants of the Ethiopia–China Coffee Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference, currently underway in Hunan Province, China, under the theme “Taste Ethiopia, Embrace Opportunities.”
In his address, President Taye congratulated organizers on the inauguration of the conference, describing it as a landmark event that celebrates both Ethiopia’s coffee heritage and the enduring partnership between Ethiopia and China.
He said Ethiopia, as the historic birthplace of coffee, takes pride in offering globally renowned specialty varieties including Yirgacheffe, Sidama, Kafa, Harer, and Jimma, among others.
The President noted that coffee remains the backbone of Ethiopia’s economy, supporting 25 percent of national employment and generating 30 percent of foreign exchange earnings.
President Taye said the conference reflects the growing cooperation between Ethiopia and China, adding that the bilateral relationship has reached what he described as the zenith of an all-weather strategic partnership.
Referring to recent engagements led by Madame Betty Xue and the Ethio-China Friendship and Cooperation Committee, the President commended the commitment demonstrated by regional and municipal authorities, including the leadership of Hunan Province and Shunzhua City, in advancing the initiative.
He said the involvement of Chinese local governments reflects a strong understanding of Africa’s economic potential and expressed appreciation to all parties involved in organizing the event.
The President said Ethiopia’s cooperation with China goes beyond coffee and is anchored within the broader framework of China-Africa cooperation, encompassing agriculture, rural green development, trade, foreign direct investment, and connectivity as pathways to industrial transformation.
He welcomed proposals from Chinese partners to establish a premier distribution hub, noting that such an initiative would position Shunzhua as a key gateway for Ethiopian coffee into the Chinese market.
President Taye also highlighted the importance of strategic industrial synergy, stating that aligning Shunzhua’s industrial capacity with Ethiopia’s development aspirations could create a sustainable, multi-sectoral ecosystem.
He stressed that cooperation should expand beyond agricultural products and critical minerals to include value-added commodities, enabling African countries such as Ethiopia to integrate meaningfully into global value chains.
Calling for close collaboration among all stakeholders, the President said translating the shared vision into concrete and actionable outcomes requires collective effort in the spirit of broader Ethiopia-China cooperation.
He concluded by expressing confidence that the conference would not only enhance global appreciation for Ethiopian coffee but also serve as a model for modern China-Africa trade cooperation, inviting participants to experience and embrace Ethiopia through its coffee.