On August 25, 2022, Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing in collaboration with the China Leather Industry Association, the China Chamber of International Commerce Membership Department and Psearcher organized a virtual Forum promoting Ethiopian leather and leather products to Chinese leather companies.
H.E Ambassador Teshome Toga on his opening remark said that since the beginning of China-Africa partnership in 2000, China has been a leading source of FDI and major trading partner for my country, Ethiopia. He added that being an active player in FOCAC and BRI, Ethiopia continues to play a very important role in enhancing China-Africa cooperation.
Ambassador mentioned that even though the trade balance is in favour of China, Ethiopia’s export to China in 2021 fiscal year grew at eight percent compared to the previous year. According to him, Ethiopia exports sesame, coffee, soya beans, mung beans, spices, pulses and few industrial products such as finished leather to China.
Noting that Ethiopia is the first livestock producer in Africa, Ambassador Teshome in his remark, said, though leather exports stood around 130 million USD in 2020, the government have a clear policy and strategy to grow the leather industry’s annual export to reach above half a billion USD in the coming few years.
In his conclusion, Ambassador recommended to Chinese enterprises to buy world-class Ethiopian Leather products and enjoy the genuine quality.
Mr. Li Yuzhong, chairman of China Leather Industry Association on his part said that the economic and trade cooperation between China and Ethiopia has a good momentum and great potential that laid a solid foundation for the cooperation between the two sides in the leather industry.
He added that China’s leather industry will continue to adhere to the concept of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit, and build a new pattern for the development of China and Ethiopia’s leather industry.
The chairman mentioned to work with Stack holders in the leather industry in Ethiopia to jointly meet opportunities and respond to the challenges brought by the development of the two countries industries.
At the forum, director general of Ethiopian Leather Development Institute Mr. Muhamed on his part said that despite the impact of the Covid pandemic, would have a great opportunity to enhance the investment and trade market by joint working together with Chinese leather companies.
Including Secretary General of Ethiopian Leather Industry Association, representatives from ELICO, Ker Ezhi, and George Leather companies, gave a detailed explanation regarding their companies potential.
