BEIJING: Elias Gebreselassie grew up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and he, like his peers, has long thought that skyscrapers, shopping malls and highways could only be scenes in Hollywood movies.
The 34-year-old praised China’s investment in modern infrastructure such as roads and social facilities, which made the capital a charming international metropolis and the headquarters of the African Union.
Gebreselassie said his understanding of China has been greatly improved after witnessing its contribution to Africa’s socio-economic development through the construction of industrial parks, skyscrapers and electrified railway lines.
“This has inspired Ethiopian youths to know more about China and the Chinese people. Many young people, including one of my nieces, choose to study in China, and many others prefer to go to Ethiopian universities to study Chinese through Confucius Institutes,” Gebreselassie said during a recent interview.
He said that the Kung Fu movies he had watched as a child gave him first exposure to the Chinese culture. His understanding of China has been further enriched through the east Asian country’s technological prowess and rapid economic development.
–The Daily Mail-CGTN News exchange item
