Addis Ababa, 13 August 2015 (WIC) – Ethiopian embassies abroad will continue efforts so as to make Ethiopians living abroad be part of the ongoing development, Ambassadors said.
Eleven Ethiopian Ambassadors to different countries along with more than 300 Oromo Diasporas have visited development projects in Arsi Zone of Oromia Regional State.
Ethiopian Ambassador to Kenya, Dina Mufti told ENA that Ethiopian embassies abroad are working and should intensify efforts to encourage the Ethiopian Diaspora to come home and be part of the change.
The Diasporas can support their country’s economy through knowledge and technology transfer, and direct investment as well, he said.
“We have a lot of Diaspora investment in different parts of the country, particularly in cities like Addis Ababa, Adama , Bahir Dar and others .”
He urged Ethiopians living abroad to come and invest in any business small or big to discharge their responsibility the nation expects from them,
“So whatever Diaspora is doing to benefit their country is helpful for the country”, Ambassador Dina said.
Embassies have critical role in doing all diplomatic activities to build image of the nation, and mobilize and make the Diaspora contribute for their country.
“Image building is very important because building our image would help to attract more investment”, he said.
Ethiopian Ambassadors to Canada Birtukan Ayano said a lot is expected from the Diaspora to support the country’s ongoing development endeavors and build the country’s image.
The visits have given them the knowhow that will help them engage in building the image of their country when they go back to their respective place of residence.
“We need the Diaspora communities to take part in the development activities underway in the country. We encourage them to help their country through participating in the development endeavors there by providing knowledge, technology and sharing very important experience to their nation,” she said.
Ethiopian Ambassador to Russia, Grum Abay said the visit particularly to the Adama Science and Technology University impressed most of the Diasporas.
Since they have the knowhow and the technology advantage the diasporas should focus on future collaborations with higher learning centers in Ethiopia to promote technology transfer.
“When they come back to their country of origin, they will bring something remarkable for their people. I think people can contribute a lot to further uplift the development efforts in the country especially in the area of science and technology that is the future for the country.