A group of Chinese companies and businessmen are conducting discussions with a British consultancy firm over huge investments in Ethiopia. It was earlier this year in May the business delegation came to Ethiopia and paid a visit to the nation.
It was from April 29 to May 4 delegates from 23 different companies, engaged in the manufacturing sector, paid a visit to Ethiopia. During their visit these delegates were accompanied by Girma Temesgen, Ethiopia’s Consul General in Chongquing-China.
According to Girma, the businessmen were select from a group of businesses the consulate had talks with the assistance of the Chinese government and the Chamber of Commerce.
The visit has enabled the businessmen to witness for themselves what they have been told by the Consulate, Girma said. Latter five businessmen from the group affirmed their interest in three areas.
The fivebusinessmen that affirmed their interest include Liu Yudi, Dong Yintong and Ram Jianguo. These people are well known business figures and business owners in China.
The businessmen showed their interest to engage in city upgrading and construction of a five star hotel in Addis Ababa. They also showed their interest to develop an industry park in the City.
According to Girma, the businesses have heard from one consulting company about turning their ideas to concrete businesses in Ethiopia. This week they will hear from a British consultant.
The City upgrade plan the tycoons have in mind includes taking some part of the capital and rebuild it into a complex which includes a complete set of facilities.
The idea of building a fives star hotel in Addis Ababa came to the minds of the tycoons after paying high room rates yet disappointed with their stay, Girma said. He added, they have told the Ethiopian Consulate in Chongquing they would want to model the hotel in Yu Zhou Hotel, where Chinese official stay at when visiting that part of China.
In a related news, a group of Chinese leather companies will visit to Ethiopia sometime between now and September. According to Girma, these businesses were schedule to join the busine delegation that came in May. Chinese officials from the Bishan County were also expected to accompany the business delegates. Yet, due to a tight schedule the officials could not accompany the business delegates and delayed the entire trip, Girma said.
Bishan County’s community is traditionally known for being a shoe making community. According to the Consul General, currently there are 991 members of the footwear association in the County. Some 20 to 25 well known companies have confirmed to take part in the business delegation visiting Ethiopia, he added. He further noted seven of these companies supply their products to international brands.
Source: Fortune
