Chinese-built railway 'a lifeline' for Ethiopia's economy

Genet Teshome Jirru, Deputy Head of Mission of the Ethiopian Embassy, talked with China Daily about Ethiopia's railway construction and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The Chinese-built Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway is a new connection between Ethiopia's capital and its coastal neighbor to the east. "This railway project is a lifeline for our economic growth. We take it as a lifeline for our continuous economic growth," Genet said.

Most industrial parks in Ethiopia are being built by Chinese companies. Genet is impressed by their efficiency and hails the high quality and eco-friendly projects they have constructed.

Speaking of the Belt and Road Initiative, Genet said the BRI is about infrastructure, investment, trade and most importantly connectivity between people. “Investors are coming to developing areas when the infrastructure is available,” he added.