By: Tigist Sernesa
Ethiopia and China have taken significant steps to bolster their collaboration in science and technology, marking a new chapter in their bilateral relations.
The Third Ethio-China Joint Committee Meeting on Scientific and Technological Cooperation commenced this week, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ethiopian Ministry of Innovation and Technology and China's Ministry of Science and Technology.
Dr. Belete Molla, Ethiopia's Minister of Innovation and Technology, emphasized the country's commitment to creating an environment conducive to scientific research, technological innovation, and knowledge transfer. "By investing in research and development, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, we aim to position Ethiopia as a regional hub for technological excellence and innovation," Dr. Molla stated during the signing ceremony.
Lin Xin, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, expressed her country's enthusiasm for the partnership. "The two sides will take the opportunity of establishing strategic partnerships to promote bilateral relations," she said, underscoring the importance of this cooperation in the context of broader Sino-Ethiopian ties.
The MoU is expected to facilitate joint research projects, exchange programs for scientists and researchers, and the sharing of best practices in various fields of science and technology. This agreement comes at a time when Ethiopia has been making significant strides in leveraging science, technology, and innovation to drive economic growth and sustainable development.
This latest development builds on Ethiopia's recent efforts to harness the power of innovation, which have included implementing comprehensive policies and programs aimed at fostering technological advancement. The collaboration with China, a global leader in many technological fields, is seen as a strategic move to accelerate Ethiopia's progress in these areas.
As both nations look forward to the fruits of this enhanced cooperation, the scientific and technological communities in Ethiopia and China are poised to benefit from increased opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaborative research.