Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Gu Xiaojie said the trade exchange between Ethiopia and China has reached more than 1.4 billion USD in 2010.

The Chinese embassy in Addis Ababa marked the 62nd National Day on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, the Ambassador said the trade cooperation of the two sisterly countries has been increasing from time to time. He said China and Ethiopia have enjoyed longstanding friendship.

The diversified partnership between the two countries gained momentum in the past years yielding fresh fruits in various sectors, the ambassador said.

The recent visit of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to China promoted the mutual cooperation of the two nations.The Ambassador said while Ethiopia is implementing the five-year Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP), China also launched this year its 12th five-year program for socio-economic development.

He said his government is committed to extend support for the realization of Ethiopia’s GTP. Ambassador Gu Xiaojie said the relations between China and the African Union have been growing and diversifying.



China will host the 8th Senior Officials Meeting of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) next month, he said. FOCAC has been playing an important role in promoting relations and cooperation between the two parties.

Foreign Affairs State Minister, Berhane Gebrekirstos on the occasion congratulated the Chinese people and government on the 62nd founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.

Berhane said Ethiopia and China have excellent relations in various development areas. China has been contributing share in technological transfer and supply of industrial products, among others, to the development efforts of Ethiopia over the past five years, he said.

Government officials and members the diplomatic mission in Addis Ababa attended the event.