April 21, 2017 - The construction of Ethio-China Light Industry City, expected to producing footwear and apparel in large volumes, is progressing very well, according to ENA.
Hua Rong Zhang, Founder and President of Huajian Group, which is building the manufacturing zone, told ENA that the special economic zone is expected to be completed by 2020.
The industry zone is expected to consume one billion USD, according to Zhang.
Since its foundation was laid in April 2016 by Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, the industrial zone has gained great attention and support from governments of both Ethiopia and China.
Zhang noted that Ethiopia encourages foreign enterprises and provides good environment for investment adding that it is working with the implementation of proper laws and regulations that create conducive environment for investment.
The park covering a total area of 137.8 hectares in the vicinity of Addis Ababa, has finalized the first and second phases and now entered into its third phase of construction, Zhang noted.
According to the President, the manufacturing zone is well in progress as the construction of factories, dormitories, roads, water and electricity facilities are going according to the plan.
Upon completion, the park will be the new focus of Ethiopian light industry and is expected to produce two billion USD in annual export revenue.
Zhang said that the park will be the leading demonstration area in Africa for China’s investment in the development of industrial parks in the continent.
Established in 1986, Huajian Group headquartering in Dongguan, China, specialized in the production of high and middle-grade women’s leather shoes. (ENA)