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South Korea and Ethiopia Inaugurate Textile Research Center in Addis Ababa

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Published: Wednesday, 01 November 2023 09:25

Ethiopia and South Korea have jointly unveiled a state-of-the-art textile research center in Addis Ababa, named the Ethiopian-Korean Textile Techno Park. Situated within the Bole Lemi Industry Zone, this innovation hub will offer advanced training and laboratory services, ushering in new prospects for the textile sector in the region, as reported by Ethiopian state-controlled media.

Ethiopia's abundant human resources, coupled with a growing market demand, make it an ideal platform for export-oriented manufacturers. The launch event saw Ethiopian state minister for industry, Hasen Mohammed, emphasizing that the country's strategic location and its burgeoning textile industry have set the stage for rapid industrial growth. Mohammed expressed optimism that the partnership with South Korean experts, boasting experience in technology, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure, would significantly contribute to Ethiopia's industrialization.

The roots of this collaborative venture can be traced back to a memorandum of understanding signed in May 2016. The Bole Lemi Park, hosting textile factories and serving as an industrial nucleus, becomes the home of this innovative research center.

Ethiopia has witnessed remarkable progress in industrial parks, with a total revenue surpassing $1 billion across its 12 parks, according to the country's Industrial Park Development Corporation. South Korea's commitment to advancing textile research extends beyond Ethiopia, with the commencement of a similar research center in Uzbekistan. Funded by South Korea's development aid, this facility is based at the Tashkent Institute of Textile and Light Industry.

The Ethiopian-Korean Textile Techno Park signifies a significant leap forward in the textile industry's research and development landscape, underlining the importance of international collaboration in fostering innovation and growth.