US Keen to Support Ethiopia’s Industrial Dev’t: Donald Yamamato

Addis Ababa April 27/2018 US Acting Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Donald Yamamoto said US needs to have a significant contribution for the industrial park development of Ethiopia. Secretary Yamamoto made the remark following the discussion with Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu in Addis Ababa on Friday. Economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries were the topics of the two sides in their discussion. Briefing the media, Secretary Yamamoto said “We want to see what Ethiopia is doing which is a remarkable and a kind of model. You have industrial parks, aero-space, energy and industrialization; because we are not seeing enough industrialization across the continent”. “America is a key partner of economic development, trade, and investment for Ethiopia and Africa at large” he added. He said that his country also needs to strengthen its relation with Ethiopia in aviation and energy areas and also play crucial role in job creation and economic development. During the discussion, Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu said that Ethiopia needs to strengthen its overall cooperation with the US. Noting that Ethiopia is the key partner of the US, Workneh urged the need for enhanced cooperation to consolidate the age-long ties, according to Meles Alem Spokesperson of the Ministry.  According to Meles, 32 American companies which will be led by US Secretary of Commerce are expected to come to Ethiopia in the coming months to assess investment and business opportunities in the country. During his stay in Ethiopia, Secretary Yamamato is expected to meet Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and discuss bilateral, regional and issues of common interest.