Prime Minister Abiy’s recent visit to Vietnam broadened cooperation: Senior Officials

Addis Ababa, April 21, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s official visit to #Vietnam has significantly broadened the horizons of cooperation between the two nations, according to senior government officials.

Minister of Government Communications Service Mr. Legesse Tulu gave briefings in connection with Prime Minister’s visit to Vietnam.

Legesse highlighted Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in rice and coffee production, transforming from self-sufficiency to a major exporter of agricultural products.

He also noted that during discussions with Vietnamese leaders, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized Ethiopia’s priority on rice following the success of wheat cultivation as part of ensuring its food sovereignty.

Apart from its self-sufficiency in rice, coffee, and other agricultural crops, Legesse said that the country also exported a good deal of agricultural products to foreign market.

In this regard, Vietnam’s experience of self-sufficiency in food crops and exports in rice, fruits, vegetables, coffee offer valuable opportunities for Ethiopia, he said.

Minister Legesse also pointed out the similarities between Ethiopia’s Green Legacy initiative to increase forest cover and combat climate change with Vietnam’s efforts in this area.

He further underscored Vietnam’s success in attracting substantial foreign direct investment (FDI) and building an export-oriented economy, attributing this success partly to its strong emphasis on education and its development of a high-tech manufacturing sector, including electronics, textiles, and footwear.

Minister Legesse indicated that Ethiopia, currently working on import substitution, particularly in manufacturing, textiles, and agricultural product processing, stands to gain considerable insights from Vietnam’s experience.

He also mentioned that Vietnamese investors are working in the Hawassa Special Economic Zone and expressed their interest to foster investment in Ethiopia following discussions with Prime Minister Abiy.

He also highlighted tours of urban development projects, providing valuable lessons for enhancing Ethiopia’s corridor development initiatives, discussions held on trade, investment, joint development, and poverty reduction.

Vietnamese leaders viewed Ethiopia as a strategic partner in connecting Vietnam with Africa, a sentiment reciprocated by Ethiopia in its approach to Asian relations.

The recent agreement for Ethiopian Airlines to launch direct flights to Hanoi was highlighted as a crucial bridge connecting Ethiopia and Africa with Vietnam to boost tourism, manufacturing, and foreign direct investment.

In related development, Head of Press Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister, Billene Seyoum echoed the similar sentiment that Prime Minister Abiy’s visit to Vietnam was fruitful in strengthening bilateral relations and providing valuable experience.

Billene stated that during his stay, Prime Minister Abiy held discussions with various high-ranking Vietnamese officials, focusing on ways to further enhance cooperation across multiple sectors.

She highlighted the warm welcome accorded to Prime Minister Abiy by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Their discussions particularly centered on deepening the ties between the two nations.

Billene emphasized Vietnam’s remarkable success in attracting investment and the valuable lessons that Ethiopia can draw from the economic, industrial, agricultural, and other experiences.

She noted that Vietnamese high-level officials expressed their keen interest in strengthening relations by leveraging the current favorable conditions in Ethiopia.

Discussions also touched upon the importance of encouraging investments in Africa’s energy sector, she said, adding that Ethiopia has made remarkable achievements in renewable energy development and advocating for its broader adoption across the continent.

Furthermore, the importance of homegrown initiatives like the Green Legacy Initiative in mitigating the impact of climate change was emphasized.

Billene affirmed that Ethiopia gained significant experience from Vietnam in its drive for food self-sufficiency, as well as in industry, and other sectors.

Additionally, she mentioned that bilateral consultations were held to encourage Vietnamese investors to participate in the favorable investment opportunities available in Ethiopia.

Overall, the engagement of the Ethiopian delegation in Vietnam concluded with an agreement to expand cooperation in trade, investment, education, and various other sectors, the officials stated.