Ethiopia's Minister of Innovation and Technology Belete Molla: China is at the frontline in technological and scientific advancement

Senior Ethiopian officials have emphasised the importance of relations with China in the context of the upcoming China-Africa Forum summit scheduled for 2024.

Ethiopian Minister of Innovation and Technology Belete Molla said Ethiopian students and researchers who have received scholarships in China play a "critical" role in the development of science and technology in the country. 

"If we talk about science, technology innovations, research and digitalisation, there is no better country which we can learn from other than China. China is at the frontline in technological and scientific advancement," Molla said.

Ethiopia's Minister of Innovation and Technology Bayssa Bedada told Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS, that China has become a reliable partner for Ethiopia in building a knowledge-based economy through the development of science, technology and innovation.

"We have enjoyed a robust bilateral relationship with China for several years marked by joint research development projects, technology transfer, people-to-people exchanges, the establishment of laboratories, and other initiatives," said Bedada.

Minister also mentioned China's support in setting up research institutions, building industrial and technology parks and promoting incubation centres.