Chinese businesses in Ethiopia help boost local univ. education

Chinese business community in Ethiopia, dubbed the Ethiopia Chinese Chamber of Commerce (ECCC), on Saturday launched an education foundation with the Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU) to boost its education.

The foundation provides a consistent and long-term support of finance, and covers diversified aspects, including scholarship cash amounting to half a million Birr each year for more than 100 students of best performance, as well as internship and overseas education opportunities.

Also on Saturday, Chinese telecom company ZTE and Ethio Teleco donated an information and technology (ICT) laboratory to the university, which provides full package of hard and software capacity to simulation on IP Network Design, TDM network design, and other key technologies and practice.

Speaking on the occasion, Abiy Ahmed, Minister of Science and Technology, said the Chinese companies have been carrying out various development activities in Ethiopia.

The establishment of the foundation and the ICT Lab donated to AASTU demonstrate the commitment from the Chinese side to supporting Ethiopia's endeavors in human capital development, noted the minister.

La Yifan, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, said Chinese business communities in Ethiopia have been fulfilling their social responsibilities by providing support in the education sector as well as by participating in different social activities, including transplanting of tree seedlings and sponsoring sports and other related events.

The ambassador said the foundation and the lab would help further strengthen the friendship between China and Ethiopia.

The cooperation between ECCC and AASTU is the first of its kind, and the ECCC says it would continue its partnership with the country's education institutions as cooperation initiatives with some other universities are underway. Enditem