The results of political modernization and new socio-economic priorities of Kazakhstan were discussed at a seminar organized by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Ethiopia, El.kz cites MFA.
The event was attended by Chairperson of the Standing Committee on International Cooperation, Defense and Security of the Parliament of Ethiopia Dima Noggo Sarbo, former president of the country Mulatu Teshome, member of the Commission of the Parliament on National Dialogue Yonas Adaye, Director of the Institute of Foreign Affairs of the MFA of Ethiopia Ambaw, Deputy Director of the Center for Development, Research and Cooperation Melese, representatives of big business and the media of Ethiopia.
Ambassador of Kazakhstan Barlybay Sadykov informed the participants about the goals and progress of Kazakhstan's political modernization initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the guidelines for the work of the new Mazhilis of the Parliament and the new Government adopted after the last parliamentary elections.
In addition, Sadykov outlined the prospects for bilateral cooperation in the light of the upcoming participation of the Ethiopian delegation in the Astana International Forum on June 8-9 this year. “The visit of the delegation of Ethiopia and representatives of big business will be the first visit to Kazakhstan and, hopefully, will significantly raise bilateral relations, especially in the trade and economic sphere, to a new qualitative level,” he said.
During the seminar, participants were provided with detailed information about the trade and investment climate of Kazakhstan, macroeconomic prospects and forecasts for the development of the national economy. Ethiopian business shared with their wishes and recommendations for establishing business ties and partnerships with Kazakhstan's big companies.
Teshome, the former President of Ethiopia, the current Chairman of the Board of the Center for Investment and Networking, shared his expectations from participation in the Astana International Forum. “The two countries have great potential for the growth of mutual trade and investment. Both Kazakhstan and Ethiopia have something to offer each other. A trip to Astana will give a clear understanding of the mutual economic interests, and since trade is a two way process, the creation of joint ventures and production facilities is the goal of the upcoming trip of Ethiopian businessmen to Kazakhstan,” he stated.
Adaye, Commissioner of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, expressed strong support for the democratic reforms promoted by the President Tokayev, and told why: “First of all, it is very important that the reforms in Kazakhstan are based on long-term national interests, they were not brought from outside, and take into account the needs of the country's population. Democratic changes also justify the accumulated demands of society, especially the youth, the highly educated part of the population that makes up the middle class. And finally, the ongoing reforms strengthen the policy of national unity in Kazakhstan.”
According to Taye, Director of the Department for Asia and Pacific of the Institute of Foreign Affairs of the MFA of Ethiopia, Kazakhstan shows an example of a successful state. “Throughout all the years of independent development, your country has been following the path of political and economic modernization, gaining from friendly and mutually beneficial trade and economic relations with all countries of the world. This is definitely the success of your country. Decentralization of power, strengthening the role of parliament, and inclusiveness of democratic processes are very useful for the development and progress of society,” said diplomat. He also called the transit and transport policy of Kazakhstan an indicator of good governance: “Kazakhstan, like Ethiopia, is a landlocked country, and the implementation of transit and transport infrastructure projects that сonnect the European and Asian continents indicates the effective use by the Government of Kazakhstan of its geographical location for the development of trade and cooperation between countries and regions. This is a good example of good governance and an example for other landlocked countries.”
Belay, the owner of Belay AB Motors & Cables holding expressed interest in organizing joint projects and finding worthy partners in Kazakhstan. “Kazakhstan is very rich and has great opportunities. We are interested in developing business projects with your country. We expect to meet with representatives of large businesses in the field of processing, construction, retail trade, agriculture, and food,” he said.
In general, the seminar participants were deeply interested in the current political and economic development of our country and the state of bilateral relations, prospects for establishing ties with major trading partners, asked questions of business and practical importance. Following the results of the event, they provided their recommendations on the further development of bilateral relations with our country.