South Korea agrees to help Ethiopia develop textile and leather industry

The South Korean President’s Office stated that President Lee Myung-bak agreed on Monday to help Ethiopia develop its textile and leather industries by sharing South Korea’s development experience and know-how.

The agreement was signed when the Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi visited Seoul. He conducted a four-day visit to South Korea, including attending an important international official development assistance conference held in the southern port city of Busan.

The two sides also signed a memorandum of understanding on industrial cooperation.

This is the second summit between Lee Myung-bak and Meles. In July this year, when Li visited the African country, he held the first summit.

Ethiopia has been the center of Seoul’s efforts to transfer its development know-how to Africa.

South Korea's official development assistance to Ethiopia increased from 4.16 million U.S. dollars in 2009 to 10.32 million U.S. dollars last year, helping African countries to establish "green growth" economic development plans.