Russian companies plan to set up production lines in Ethiopia, boosting bilateral trade
"Russian companies are interested in establishing production lines in Ethiopia, even for car production," said Evgeny Teriokhin, the Russian ambassador in Addis Ababa, during an interview with the TASS agency.
1:16 PM EST, February 18, 2024
"Russian companies are willing to consider the potential of partial production localization in Ethiopia, for example in the automotive industry," he stated.
At present, there is an active trade relationship between the two countries.
While Russia provides Ethiopia with petroleum, machinery, car parts, rolled metal, and wooden products, Ethiopia exports coffee, ready-made clothes, leather goods, flowers, and beans to Russia.
"There is tremendous potential to enhance bilateral trade, including through supplying Russian mineral fertilizers, agricultural machines, energy, electrical and mining equipment, as well as equipment for the chemical industry and the processing of agricultural products," Teriokhin announced.
According to Teriokhin, supporting joint projects between Russian and Ethiopian enterprises justified the resumption of Russia's trade mission in Addis Ababa.
How could this benefit both Russia and Ethiopia?
The ambassador from Russia neglected to mention another detail that could potentially favor Russia. If cooperation strengthens in the near term, Russia might be able to expand its military recruitment during conflicts with Ukraine. As previously discussed, an increasing number of African warriors are joining the Russian military, enticed by the offers of citizenship and employment opportunities in Russian factories.
On the other hand, Ethiopia might be attracted by the prospect of new job opportunities. According to Trading Economics, unemployment in Ethiopia is hovering around an estimated 23 percent.
