Ethiopia Draws Asia Manufacturing Interest
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – For a long time, economists have discussed East Africa’s chances to “get a foot in the door” of global manufacturing. China, as the world’s leading hub for mass production, has become expensive due to rising labor and energy costs. Meanwhile, East Africa offers a large young and cheap labor force. Until recently though, delays at ports, bad roads, power outages and political instability have prevented a shift from happening. But now, the Ethiopian government is building new industrial mega-zones that have successfully attracted some foreign investors who are moving manufacturing from China.
He Pingting, who goes by the American name Claire, gives a tour of the new factory building of George Shoe PLC. The Taiwanese shoe manufacturer started operating some months ago and recently exported its first container: 15,000 pairs of pink and light-blue women’s shoes made in Ethiopia.
Read more at: Voice of America
