Ethiopia Affirms Commitment To Enhance Coffee Trade Relations With China – CoffeeTalk

President Taye Atske-selassie has reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to enhancing coffee trade relations with China during his address at the inaugural China-Ethiopia Coffee Economic and Trade Promotion Conference in Zhuzhou City, Hunan Province. Organized by the Ethio-China Friendship Committee, the conference aims to introduce Ethiopia’s specialty coffee varieties to a large Chinese audience, signifying a strengthening trade partnership between the nations.

The President highlighted Ethiopia’s status as the historical origin of coffee, showcasing acclaimed varieties such as Yirgacheffe, Sidama, Kaffa, Harrar, and Jimma, which contribute significantly to the national economy by supporting 25% of employment and generating 30% of foreign exchange earnings. He noted the impressive ascent of China from the 33rd largest coffee destination five years ago to the fourth largest today, with Ethiopian coffee exports surpassing 35,000 tons in the last year.

Acknowledging local leadership efforts, particularly from Hunan Provincial and Zhuzhou Party Committee following a mission led by Betty Xu of the Ethio-China Friendship Committee, President Taye asserted the importance of recognizing Africa’s economic prospects. The Ethiopian delegation consisted of key officials, including Ambassador Tefera Derbew and State Minister Ifa Muleta.

President Taye shared innovative strategies from Chinese partners, including the development of a Premier Distribution Hub aimed at establishing Zhuzhou as a central gateway for Ethiopian coffee into China, alongside proposals for Strategic Industrial Synergy to align industrial capabilities and developmental ambitions between the regions.

He emphasized the necessity for cooperation to extend beyond traditional agricultural products to include value-added commodities, facilitating better integration of African nations like Ethiopia into the global value chain. High-ranking Chinese officials, including the Mayor of Zhuzhou, participated in discussions to explore deeper economic partnerships.

Concluding his address, President Taye expressed optimism that the conference would enhance the global appreciation for Ethiopian coffee and establish a modern framework for China-Africa trade relations. He invited attendees to engage with Ethiopian coffee, urging them to understand and cherish it as an integral part of their lives. This conference represents a significant step towards harnessing the growing trade relationship between China and Ethiopia, aiming to make Ethiopian coffee a favored choice among Chinese consumers.

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