Addis Ababa, 8 August 2015 (WIC) – The motherland is calling the Diaspora, not to cash-in but to pitch-in for the development of the country.
The Ethiopian Diaspora, including the second and third generation, is the critical resource pool is it in finance, in technology, in knowledge and skill transfer, whose maximum mobilization and engagement is indispensable.
his dynamic group in particular is endowed with special advantages derived from the synergy of the two cultures, thus, has a tremendous potential to contribute to leapfrog the country transformation and development.
Ethiopia’s development oriented aspiration is dependent on the nation’s human capital and resources in addition to engaging the brain and economic power of its Diaspora fully and effectively.
The government has formally acknowledged the importance of the Diaspora and the valuable contribution they can make to the national growth.
This recognition has led to the decision to create the diaspora policy that is expected to exploit the accumulated potential of the Diaspora in the nation-building process.
The introduction of the yellow card also entitle them the benefit of a citizen in socio-economic sectors, which has made an impact in attracting and motivating an increasing numbers to take part in investment in various areas.
Consequentially, cash flow into the country through remittances and investment has also grown steadily.
The Policy also allowed for a specific day- August 16- to be set aside for an annual celebration of the Ethiopian Diaspora. Ethiopia, therefore, is set to celebrate Diaspora week to help boost contribution of Ethiopians living abroad in the development endeavors of the country.
According to The Ethiopian Herald, over 6,000 Ethiopian Diasporas drawn from all over the world are expected to attend the event that will commence the coming August 16.