LONDON, 9th June 2011-
Ethiopian Diaspora members residing in the UK celebrated the 20th anniversary of the demise of the Derg, pledging to mobilize funds for the Renaissance Dam, a symbol of a viable and prosperous Ethiopia, in the presence of a high level Ethiopian delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.
Addressing the packed hall at the London Ethiopian Embassy, Ato Hailemariam Desalegn congratulated Ethiopians on their achievements in changing the political and economic landscape of Ethiopia through the instrumentality of government policies that prominently focused on development that brought tangible changes to peoples’ living conditions.
He said, Ethiopia, which is on the right track to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the years leading to 2015, will have a robust economy that will grow by over 14 per cent in the best case scenario, making it possible for the nation to join the middle income community of nations in a short period of time.
The Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister urged compatriots to be more involved and engaged in investment and knowledge transfer for the realisation of the Five Year Growth and Transformation Plan.
Apart from the massive projects on road, telecommunications, schools, health facilities, railroads, factories, the Deputy Premier noted, the Ethiopian Government and Ethiopians from all walks of life and persuasions have committed themselves to prove to everybody that they are in charge of the construction of the Renaissance Dam, capable of generating 5250MW of power, showcasing the bright future and potential in store for the country.
The Ethiopian Government, he said, is committed to raise the fund locally for this grand project and has set up a national council to oversee the resource mobilisation and its proper utilisation for the construction of the Renaissance Dam.
The inspiration that permeated the gathering was evident when participants rushed to register to buy Renaissance Dam bonds and make pledges that sealed the conviction that Ethiopians are now confident in taking the destiny of their country into their own hands.
Ato Hailemariam on the occasion announced the successful conclusion of the UK-Ethiopia Investment Trade and Tourism Forum, held on 9th June, which was conducted in the presence of a high level Ethiopian delegation.
Speaking at the reception marking the ouster of the Derg, Ambassador Berhanu Kebede, Ethiopian envoy to the UK, urged the Diaspora to seize the opportunity and remain engaged in the building of the new Ethiopia where its people live in peace, equality and harmony.
Present on the occasion were Ministers and members of the Ethiopian high level delegation, and invited guests
