ETHIOPIA AND CHINA – TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN.

Ethiopia and China have long histories. Ethiopia is an ancient Country, which has a written history exceeding 3,000 years. Ethiopia, like China fought, and repulsed various colonist powers. In fact, Ethiopia is one of the few African countries not colonized. Ethiopia is also considered a beacon of freedom by many Africans.

Like China, Ethiopia is endowed with immense and beautiful resources. A land of diverse geographical settings, Ethiopia has a rich variety of wildlife. It has abundant water and rich mineral resources, although they have not yet been fully exploited. 

Ethiopia is also known for its many historic attractions, including the Axum Obelisks, stone monoliths erected in the ancient Axumite period, the churches of Lalibela, rock-hewn churches known for their astonishing designs and interior decorations, and the 17^th century Castles of Gondar.  

As China`s Great wall, among other things symbolizes China`s history and civilisation, the above mentioned Ethiopian edifices are associated with Ethiopia`s history and civilisation.

Talking about civilizations, Ethiopia is the home of “Lucy”, one of the oldest hominid skeletons found in Ethiopia. Some scientists, because of that find, now believe Africa might have been the origin of humankind.

Both Ethiopia and China attach importance to the development of agriculture, and to the well-being of their ruralareas. In fact, while China has the world`s largest population, Ethiopia has the second-largest population in sub-Saharan Africa. Like the Chinese, Ethiopians are known for their hard work and diligence. Many people agree, given its rich resources, hard-working people and big market, Ethiopia is suitable for investment.

The pace of China`s economic transformation over the past two decades has impressed me. One can see the infrastructure development, the increase in Chinese resident`s living standards and, in general, the prosperity. I have also witnessed as Chinese women have become major players in this transformation. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to witness some of these changes. I believe many developing countries, including Ethiopia, should learn from China`s experiences in various fields. 

To sum it up, China has been a great experience for me, not only in terms of my personal and academic growth, but also what it means to my family. One of my four children was born here, and china will always hold special memories. China might be geographically distant from Ethiopia, but it sure is my home away from home.

   
    (Tsehay IQUBAY)

    Wife of the Ambassador of Ethiopia to China.

     From: Enjoying Every day with China by HeQiuju.

     AfriqAsia Merge…

                              ….Bridging the gap, embracing the difference