As Africa develops further as an emerging major economy, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said the Philippines should use this opportunity by forging a stronger partnership with Ethiopia, one of the region's biggest economies.

Marcos said this as he welcomed Ethiopian Ambassador Dessie Dalkie Dukamo in Malacañang on Tuesday, Aug. 15.

In his remarks, the President noted how the entire world is excited about Africa's growth.

"I think the whole world is very excited about --- how most of Africa is positioned in terms of --- now coming and emerging… as a major economy, as they already are," he said.

With this, Marcos said the Philippines and Ethiopia could explore the areas of trade, transfer of technology, and other exchanges, particularly in agriculture to support the needs of Filipinos.

He added that the partnership between the countries could sustain the rest of the Philippine economy, including the service and the manufacturing sectors.

In response, Dukamo said Ethiopia considers the Philippines’ development trajectory something to look at, noting the dedication, hard work, and discipline of Filipino workers.

“We know how the Philippines is growing from traditional agriculture to services and manufacturing industry, especially in the area of technical and vocational training. The way how the Philippines makes its people…skilled and dedicated and productive,” he said.

“We know well the Philippines through its workers. We are so grateful and we can share a lot in the area of trade and industry. From the fastest-growing economy, we can share a lot. Ethiopia is also now growing larger, step by step (becoming) a large country and the largest economy in East Africa with huge potential in trade and investment,” he added.

According to Dukamo, Filipino businessmen could invest in Ethiopia’s industrial area, particularly with their expertise in manufacturing especially electronics, which they could introduce to Ethiopia.

He likewise said that Ethiopia is an ideal location since not only is it a large country in Africa, but it is also a gateway in that region.

“It’s geographically located bridging the Middle East and the rest of Africa and also Western countries. So, if Filipino businessmen come and invest in Ethiopia, it’s possible to take advantage of the African market,” Dukamo said.

Air linkages

Meanwhile, The Ethiopian envoy raised the need to establish air linkages between Manila and Addis Ababa to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, which could also be expanded regionally in Africa.

President Marcos agreed, saying it should be the first job for both countries.

“Let’s work on that. Let that be the first job that we give ourselves," he said.

"We make that connection easier. I think it’s never a bad thing to start with people-to-people relations that are always so important,” he added.

Dukamo, with ministerial rank, also serves as Advisor of Agriculture and Irrigation to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia since October 2018. From 2013 to 2018, he was the president of the Southern Nation, Nationalities, and Peoples Regional State (SNNPRS) in Ethiopia.

The Philippines and Ethiopia formally established diplomatic relations on February 7, 1977, and are celebrating 46 years of diplomatic relations this year.

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), two agreements have been signed between the governments of the Philippines and Ethiopia: an agreement on Air Services signed in Manila on Oct. 8, 2014; and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Establishment of a Bilateral Consultations Mechanism between the Philippines and Ethiopia, signed in Manila on Oct. 11, 2016.

Other pending agreements being considered are on:

• Information and Communications Technology
• Promotion and Protection of Investments
• Labor Cooperation
• Visa Waiver Agreement for Diplomatic Passport Holders
• Culture and Tourism
• Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion

Based on the 2022 record on Philippines-Ethiopia trade, the two-way exports between the two countries were at $3.13 million, while imports amounted to $0.26 million, with a total trade reaching $3.38 million.