Oromiya Diaspora residing abroad pledged to invest in their homeland after paying visit to the ongoing developmental activities underway at Arsi Zone, Oromiya State yesterday. Over 3,000 Oromiya Diaspora living abroad are currently paying visits to Oromiya State of whom around 300 have visited developmental activities at Arsi Zone.
Some Diaspora whom the journalists approached for comment said that they have been impressed by the ongoing development activities undertaken in the State in what they said were key steps towards improving the livelihood of local communities portraying a glowing image of the country.
Zenet Awel, who has been living in Canada for 27 years, told journalists that the area has witnessed unprecedented massive infrastructural development with roads and other facilities.
She still regrets for not having been part of the development projects here and said she would catch up by returning to invest and work in her homeland.
Up on visiting Addis Dallas Flour and Biscuits Factory, owned by Ethiopian Diaspora located at Arsi Zone, Zonal Administrator Sadat Nesha said that the zone, with its untapped potential in arable land and other tourist attraction sites, has been luring many investors. About 470 investors have so far invested there with a capital of 5.5 billion Birr creating 20,000 jobs for the community.
The owner also urged the fellow Diaspora to follow his footsteps investment wise. He said that investing here is profitable and benefits local communities.
The administrator urged the visiting Diaspora community to come up with business plans and invest in their country while the State will extend every assistance to help create a conducive investment environment.
The Diaspora also planted seedlings in Assela area. Ethiopian Ambassador to Kenya Dina Mufti told journalists that Ethiopia’s socioeconomic development has been attracting not only the Diaspora but also foreign investors. Dina said the Diaspora have been interested to come back and invest in their motherland following the government’s efforts to provide them with all-rounded support.
[TheEthiopianHerald]