editorial
By Girmachew Gashaw
Since 1991, the government of Ethiopia has intensified efforts to reassert the country’s national interest in international arena to alleviate poverty and backwardness, which have exacerbated its vulnerability to external enemies. To this end, the government systematically laid out a Foreign Policy and National Security Strategy, identifying the major threats to Ethiopia’s very survival. Curbing socio-economic problems as well as problems pertaining to lack of good governance and democracy has been prioritized by the government over the past two decades by laying a democratic system of governance and institutions across the country. As to the government, the very existence of the country would be questionable without assuring economic development and democracy.
It is axiomatic therefore that whatever relations Ethiopia forges with countries or organizations should serve this agenda of providing the tools for rapid economic development together with advancing the democratization process. Both goals are an imperative. Economic development helps provide all members of society with benefits; democratization helps ensure the fullest possible participation of people in administering their own affairs. First and foremost, this requires that most attention and resources to be dedicated to address domestic issues as these are major causes of vulnerabilities.
The philosophy behind Ethiopia’s foreign policy then is clear: diplomatic activity should serve the country’s economic agenda, of providing rapid economic development together with the objective of advancing democracy in the building up of the democratic developmental state. This is an imperative necessity for maintaining the viability of the country. Ethiopia’s foreign policy has to serve these twin objectives of rapid economic development and democratization to win the war on poverty and to ensure participation of the people in administering their own affairs. The government has, therefore, over the last years centredd its diplomatic activities on the promotion of trade, and encouragement of investment and tourism.
Economic policies adopted by the government in the last two decades have played an instrumental role in developing the country’s economy. Ethiopia has become one of the ten fastest growing countries in the world. Its past tarnished image of poverty, backwardness and war is being gradually reversed. The economic diplomacy policy of the country is, therefore, helping the nation to diversify its trade, investment areas and to widen the international market horizon that has vividly accelerated growth in these sectors of the economy.
Ethiopia has viable trade policy which helps develop and ensure broad international market linkage and thereby generate large amount of foreign exchange. Likewise, a sound investment policy, sitting at the centre of the country’s economic diplomacy, has enabled the country to attract foreign direct investment. The main objective of country’s foreign relation and security policy is protecting sovereignty and national interest.” Tewolde mulugeta Ministry Spokesperson added. For this to happen, it is decisive to solve problems, if at all there is any. This way we could minimize and prevent exposure that leads to fortuity.
The current diplomacy of the country, unlike past regimes, is economic-oriented. Ethiopia’s diplomacy was framed 24 years ago in such a way that it will support the country’s efforts to extricate itself from poverty. Ethiopia’s diplomacy is guided not by ideological affiliation to states and parties but based on the economic benefits that emanate from its relationships. Activities have been underway to strengthen relations with countries, educational institutions, governmental and non- governmental organizations, and the mass media as well, according to Tewolde.
Instead of categorizing states by their ideological orientation as in the past, the current diplomacy of the country focuses on the benefits it can get from export, investment, tourism, technology transfer, development assistance and aid. The trade and investment relation which was only limited to China, India and other Eastern countries has now spread into European countries, the US, Australia and South American countries.
Supporting activities with technology, creating skilled manpower, modernization and mobilizing the Diaspora were also the major areas of focus. Today, a number of companies and investors from Asia, Europe, America and the Middle East are highly interested to invest in Ethiopia more than ever. Many countries are also growing their diplomatic relations to more intensified economic ties with Ethiopia.
The economic diplomacy is helpful to build a positive image, get out of poverty and backwardness through a rapid development that squashed the nation’s number one public enemy– poverty.
This achievement would have not been realized without the combative efforts of the government as well as the public at large. The primary cause for the expansion of trade and investment in the country over the past 24 years is, the foreign policy that focuses on economic diplomacy. According to Tewolde, the nation has been vigorous in the fight against poverty, applying a foreign policy that ensured democracy and development over the past two decades with tangible and visible results.
The foreign policy that leans on economic diplomacy, and the government’s emphasis of expanding the frontier of our relations to all corners of the world has brought immense change that helped strengthen relationships with other countries. In principle, as Ethiopia is part and parcel of the global community, it should have a vibrant tie with every country.
Recognizing this fact, economic diplomacy tops the priority list in not only Ethiopia’s diplomacy orbit but also on other nations’ diplomacy hubs. So far, except Eritrea, the nation has made a cooperative agreement with neighbouring countries on peace and development issues that ensure mutual benefits and strong relationships.
“The foreign policy stands for the protection of national benefit, and its principles are designed based on countries’ mutual benefit. The economic and political ties created with Djibouti, Sudan, South-Sudan, and Kenyan governments showcase the effectiveness of the policy and how it is going on the right track.” the spokesperson stated.
Fighting poverty and transforming the nation to the level where developing countries are found, requires the expansion of trade and investment, an influx of tourists and an increase in the revenue earned from the sector. It as well requires injecting financial support for the development of infrastructure, the spokes person said and added that the Foreign Affairs Ministry has made a broad array of duties focused on economic diplomacy.
According to Tewolde, the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has been carried out via strong public participation. And there were also thorough discussions and negotiations with Nile Basin Countries. These dealings are some of the fruits of the existing policy. Beyond ensuring peace locally, the nation has gained political and economic benefits in the effort that has ensured peace on the region.
Ethiopian diplomats are currently busy in speeding up the development of trade, the expansion of investment and the strengthening of relationships. They acquaint the country’s potential investment alternatives to the global business community. Ethiopia’s trade link among different nations is gathering momentum.
The main tasks of diplomats and counsel generals working in various countries are; determining investors, attracting foreign currency and searching for finances Tewolde said, adding that they also have made greater contribution through importing advanced technologies vital for nation’s development, increasing tourist inflow, building nations image by carrying out various diplomatic works.
But this is not enough given the nation’s untapped and immense investment opportunities in the fields of agriculture, livestock, agro-processing, manufacturing, industry, construction and tourism, according to him. Ethiopia’s economic diplomacy has made the country a desirable investment destination as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed.
Over the past two decades, Ethiopia has proved an indemnity for peace not only for herself but also for other African countries, he said. Adding that the nation has been working with a greater commitment for the applicability of the decision made by African Union concerning peace and security issues.
Recalling that there were attempts of terrorist attack in the country in recent years, Tewolde said that since the past two decades, in concert with other countries the nation is showing a firm commitment to fight out terrorism. That is why, Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups are weakened.