Ethiopian Finance Minister discusses strategic infrastructure cooperation with ICBC Officials in Beijing

Addis Ababa, June 27, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Mr. Ahmed Shide, held high-level talks with senior officials of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) in Beijing on June 27, 2025, focusing on deepening financial cooperation and advancing key infrastructure projects.

The discussion centered on the progress of ongoing initiatives—most notably, the Bishoftu International Airport Project—along with broader efforts to enhance Ethiopia’s connectivity within Africa and internationally.

Mr. Ahmed underscored the strategic importance of sustained investment in infrastructure, noting that such projects are critical to accelerating economic integration and regional trade. He called for continued collaboration with ICBC to ensure the timely execution of joint ventures that support Ethiopia’s development agenda.

According to the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing, which briefed Fana Media Corporation, the meeting also addressed the current status of financial arrangements related to the airport project and outlined the roadmap for its next implementation phase.

ICBC officials reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to Ethiopia’s development priorities and expressed readiness to mobilize financial resources and technical expertise to support the realization of key national projects.

The meeting represents a meaningful step in consolidating Ethiopia–China economic relations and expanding long-term strategic partnerships in infrastructure development.