June 23, 2025
Addis Ababa

A delegation from the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) participated in a high- level international seminar on rural e-commerce for Belt & Road (B&R) countries, held at the International Exchange Center of Yangling Demonstration Zone, China. The event, sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, showcased China’s transformative achievements in digitizing agriculture and empowering farmers through e-commerce.
The seminar served as an eye-opening platform for B&R nations to explore how China’s digital agricultural model has:
 Boosted farmers’ incomes by connecting them directly to urban and global markets.
 Reduced regional income inequality by lowering transaction costs and expanding market access.
 Enhanced agricultural productivity through efficient supply chain integration and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Participants from Ethiopia, Laos, Nepal, and Gambia engaged in practical and theoretical sessions, gaining actionable insights to adapt similar strategies in their respective countries. As part of the program, each delegation presented a national report on their agricultural landscape. Ethiopia’s report was delivered by Dr. Daniel Muleta, Director of the National Soil Research Institute, highlighting Ethiopia’s progress and potential in rural e-commerce adoption. The seminar underscored the pivotal role of digital platforms in transforming rural economies and fostering inclusive growth across the Belt & Road Initiative.