Ethiopia eager for Chinese investments

Coffee export is an integral part of Ethiopian economy. The country is presently working hard to expand its reach to the emerging Chinese coffee market. Adugna Debela, Director General of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority, stated in a recent interview to Xinhua Net that Ethiopia has launched an initiative to attract Chinese investors to join local coffee roasters for value addition and increase direct coffee export to China. He said that Ethiopia had recently promoted the newly developed Ethiopian Coffee National Brand to the Chinese market during an exhibition held in China.Mr. Debela added that the Asian market presents an opportunity to expand and sell  Ethiopian coffee, particularly to China and South Korea. Ethiopia has already invited Chinese investors to work in joint-venture with their coffee roasters. Despite the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the promotion of Ethiopian coffee in China, the country holds keen intent to promote both Chinese engagement in the sector as well as the export of Ethiopian coffee to China. He said there is a very enabling environment now in Ethiopia, particularly to invest in coffee, so it is time for investors from China to come and invest.