By Wang Liang, Hunan Daily
From September 4 to 6, the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was held in Beijing, which Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali attended. During his visit, Abiy stated: “Chinese enterprises’ investment and cooperation have made important contributions to promoting Ethiopia’s economic and social development. We hope to deepen cooperation between the two countries in areas such as economy and trade, infrastructure, and industry in the future.”
On September 5, The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation opened in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.)
In 2002, Liao Li, an employee of Hunan Road and Bridge Construction Group Co., Ltd. (HNRB), came to Ethiopia. Starting as a technician, he focused on road and bridge construction, getting to know and interacting with locals. It has now been 22 years.
Liao Li is walking on the completed road.)
In late July, a Hunan Daily reporting team came to Africa to interview Liao Li on site about his story of taking root in Ethiopia.
Participated in Building 16 Roads, Totaling Over 1,500 Kilometers
In October 2002, 21-year-old Liao Li came to Ethiopia. He recalls, “I had just graduated from university and wanted to explore the outside world.”
Coming to a foreign land, he faced constant challenges.
Upon arriving in Ethiopia, unable to communicate, Liao Li took the initiative to learn Amharic from local employees. Five months later, he could converse fluently with locals, laying the foundation for his work.
On July 27th, the Tulubolo-Kela project built by Hunan Road and Bridge Ethiopia Branch passed through a small village in Ethiopia.）
Employed Over 20,000 Local Workers
As more roads are built, hearts grow closer.
Master, Liao Li’s assistant, has been with HNRB Ethiopia Branch for over 10 years.
On July 27th, in Tulubo Road Town, Ethiopia, Liao Li and Masterwal reviewed the construction drawings.)
In 2013, Master graduated from the Civil Engineering Department of Addis Ababa University and worked as an engineer in a local construction company. Master was energetic, steady in his work, and had solid professional knowledge. Liao Li invited him to join HNRB Ethiopia Branch.
Liao Li liked this young man very much, often taking him to project sites to track progress and negotiate business externally. Master quickly became Liao Li’s right-hand man.
Ethiopia is a major country in East Africa, with a large population and strong development potential. Watching Master grow step by step, Liao Li suggested he study abroad to further broaden his horizons and enhance his skills, even writing him a letter of recommendation.
From 2017 to 2019, Master studied for a master’s degree in design and construction project management at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden. After graduation, Master chose to return to his hometown to continue working with Liao Li, joining hands to build Ethiopia.
Liao Li explained that since entering the Ethiopian market, from laborers and machine operators to designers and financial staff, the company has employed over 20,000 local workers. Chinese and Ethiopian employees work together to strive for a better life.
On July 27, cars and horse-drawn carriages are traveling simultaneously on the newly built road in Ethiopia.)
Mohammed Abdulrahman, director of the Ethiopian Roads Authority, is an old friend of Liao Li. They have known each other for over 10 years. He told the reporter: “I hope Liao Li can stay here for another 20 years and witness Ethiopia’s march towards modernization with us.”
