Chinese firm to invest $2bn in Ethiopian 'shoe city'
02/05/2013
Huajian wants to transfer its skills to locals in Ethiopia, so they can become the managers of the enormous facility, reported UK publication The Guardian.
Huajian's vice-president, Helen Hai, said she does not want to compete with local businesses but work with them, and securing raw material through the development of its tanneries is one aspect.
"The sheepskin and goatskin are good but local people don't know how to manage cowskin," she said. "I want to offer my skills to help the locals. I don't want to have my own tannery because I don't want to create problems. I want to be friendly."
The 300 hectare site will provide accommodation for up to 200,000 workers with space for other footwear and leathergoods companies. Construction is due to begin later this year.
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