Washington is suggesting a comprehensive root-and-branch reform to improve performance in East Africa’s second-largest economy, according to a statement on Thursday.
To this end Ahmed Shide, Ethiopia’s finance minister held a high-level meeting on Thursday with Mr. Christopher Landau, US Deputy Secretary of State.
The two officials discussed Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reform program, expanding investment opportunities, and the growing partnership between the two countries.
The U.S. official while praising the Ethiopian government for the overall progress under the macroeconomic reform program encouraged the East African country to see improvements to its economy as the catalyst for further growth. He said the US will maintain strong interest in expanding business engagement and investment in Ethiopia amid stronger bilateral cooperation.
Both Landau and Shide reaffirmed the two countries’ shared commitment to deepening the Ethiopia–United States partnership, enhancing private sector engagement, and advancing mutually beneficial cooperation in support of Ethiopia’s sustainable economic development.
Minister Ahmed, joined by Dr. Fitsum Assefa, Minister of the Planning and Development and Dr. Eyob Tekalign, Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, provided updates on the implementation of Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reform agenda, noting the positive progress achieved and the improving economic outlook.
He emphasised that the reforms have significantly enhanced the investment climate, creating better and more competitive investment opportunities across key sectors of the economy.
The minister highlighted the strong and growing bilateral partnership between Ethiopia and the United States.
He also expressed appreciation for the recent commitment of the U.S. government to support Ethiopia’s health sector and further acknowledged the interventions by the world’s most powerful economy to his country’s overall development efforts through multilateral financial institutions.
The minister also briefed the Deputy Secretary on Ethiopia’s flagship New International Airport Project, underscoring its strategic importance for economic growth, regional connectivity, and trade facilitation.
He emphasised the need for US financial institutions and contractors to participate in the new airport project development.
WN/as/APA