Addis Ababa, 21 July 2014 (WIC) – UK Ambassador to Ethiopia Greg Dorey said the consecutive economic development registered in Ethiopia over the past years is “very impressive”.
In an exclusive interview with ENA, the Ambassador said the development in Ethiopia is “very impressive” and “potentially sustainable” as well if the government continues to take the right decisions.
“I think it is very impressive whether you take the government’s figures or you take IMF figures … in terms of GDP growth. That is very very impressive and its potentially sustainable growth as well if the government takes the right decisions on the economy then that growth can continue into the future.”
The economic growth in Ethiopia has been accompanied by a huge social investment in human development.
The Ambassador appreciates the strides that have been taken in improving the health, education and social wellbeing of the people.
“Of course this has been accompanied by a huge social investment in human development which is equally important. And you can see the tremendous strides that have been taken in improving the health, education and social wellbeing of the people in Ethiopia really is very acknowledgeable; what has been done in a relatively small space of time.”
“Ethiopia is still a poor country so that work needs to continue.” he added.
“So I have to say everything is moving in the right direction; it just needs the right decision to be taken to continue those achievements.”
He expressed hope that the economic growth in Ethiopia will continue to benefit the people through job creation and sustainable development.
The bilateral relation between Ethiopia and UK is ‘very diverse, mutually beneficial and very good,’ according to the Ambassador.
“Our bilateral development cooperation is the biggest such program in the world for Ethiopia it has been for some years and I expected to continue to be.”
UK provides over 300 million pound sterling annually to Ethiopia in connection with development programs.
Trade and investment relationship is also taking off from a ‘low base’. UK imports of goods from Ethiopia have grown by 48 percent from 48 million pound sterling in 2009 to 70 million pound sterling in 2013.
In the same period UK exports to Ethiopia have also grown by 29 percent from 77 million pound sterling to 99 million pound sterling.
Climate change is one of the areas where the two countries are working together.
The Ambassafor recognizes the efforts of the government to create a climate resilient green economy by 2025 and achieving a middle income status with zero carbon emissions.
Ambassador Dorey said the Climate Resilient Green Economy Policy of Ethiopia can be a model to other countries.
“It is an absolutely adorable policy. I could recommend it highly enough not just for Ethiopia but it’s a model to other countries as well.’
The UK government is putting 45 million pound sterling into this area partly into creating or enhancing institutions which deal with climate change both public and private. (ENA)