| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
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| Selected Speeches |
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| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
| Selected Speeches |
| Haile Selassie the First - May 8, 1965 |
We have come here today to lay the cornerstone of an essential
component in Ethiopia's development structure. The construction of the
Assab Oil Refinery marks the commencement of a bright new era in the
history of Ethiopian economic development, an era which will surely
witness Ethiopia's full advent into the modern industrial age.
This great oil refinery may properly be termed Ethiopia's first major heavy
industrial project. Its importance to the further growth and expansion of
Ethiopian industry in all its aspects cannot be over-estimated. Within a
short time, Ethiopia will be entirely self-sufficient in the supply of refined
petroleum products. The petroleum products are essential to the future
growth and expansion of all sectors of the Ethiopian economy. Roads and
road transport to the important agricultural centres of the nation can be
expected to improve both in scope and efficiency as a result of this new
project. Its success will lend further encouragement to the development
of innumerable new and related industrial projects.
Here at Assag, the Refinery has already shown itself an important element
in the burgeoing local economy. Thousands of workers have been
employed and have learned vital new skills in the course of its
construction. Increased shipping will utilize Assab's modern port facilities,
ensuring that Assab will continue its remarkable growth and prosperity of
recent years. We hope that someday, God willing, we will strike oil in our
country and will not be required to buy crude oil from other countries.
Heavy drains on Ethiopia's foreign exchange will be eliminated, as these
requirements are reduced to those needed to provide the essential supply
of crude oil and to maintain this refinery in proper working order.
Although there are some technicians trained We need many trained
personnel. As experience is obtained, Ethiopians will increasingly assume
larger responsibilities for the administration and technical operation of this
installation. The impact of the establishment of this installation is thus not
single but multiple in its effects.
It was long argued that smaller nations such as Ethiopia cold not support
or justify the construction of complex and costly facilities such as that
which rises before Us. The contention, already disproved in theory, will
soon be even more effectively rebutted in practice. The success which
We are confident will mark the Assab refinery's operations will spur
Ethiopia to follow this example in other areas vital to growth and
self-sufficiency of the nation's economy.
For the support and guidance which have led to the achievement of this
important new industrial asset, We and Our people are deeply grateful.
The U.S.S.R. Government, through the credit advanced for the financing
of this project, have reaffirmed their sympathy in the deepest aspirations
of Our people. The bonds between us have been strenghtened as a result
of our co-operation in this endeavour co-operation into many other areas
of economic and technical advance. The magnificent accomplishments of
the Soviet people in the development of heavy industry throughout the
recent past provide a stirring example to Our people. A fine example of
which is te Polytechnical Institute which is a source of knowledge
presented to us by the Soviet Government.
We thank the Soviet engineers and technicians for the co-operation they
have shown with Our people in building up this refinery.
It is our firm determination, and that of Our Government, that the full
impact of modern industrial progress will be felt to the farthest corners of
the Empire. Alll Ethiopians welcome the promise of this new industrial
era. We and Our Government shall do all within our power to hasten the
day when its full benefits are enjoyed by every Ethiopian.
We wish to thank His Excellency the Soviet Ambassador, Mr. A.
Boudakov, for his sincere co-operation and great effort to bring about the
conclusion of the construction Agreement of this petroleum refinery.
This refinery is but one of the significant steps in Ethiopia's drive for a
rapid industrialization, within the framework of modern Ethiopianism, for
it answers in a convincing manner the aspirations of the nation to press
forward in constructing on the foundations already laid an edifice worthy
of its striving.
component in Ethiopia's development structure. The construction of the
Assab Oil Refinery marks the commencement of a bright new era in the
history of Ethiopian economic development, an era which will surely
witness Ethiopia's full advent into the modern industrial age.
This great oil refinery may properly be termed Ethiopia's first major heavy
industrial project. Its importance to the further growth and expansion of
Ethiopian industry in all its aspects cannot be over-estimated. Within a
short time, Ethiopia will be entirely self-sufficient in the supply of refined
petroleum products. The petroleum products are essential to the future
growth and expansion of all sectors of the Ethiopian economy. Roads and
road transport to the important agricultural centres of the nation can be
expected to improve both in scope and efficiency as a result of this new
project. Its success will lend further encouragement to the development
of innumerable new and related industrial projects.
Here at Assag, the Refinery has already shown itself an important element
in the burgeoing local economy. Thousands of workers have been
employed and have learned vital new skills in the course of its
construction. Increased shipping will utilize Assab's modern port facilities,
ensuring that Assab will continue its remarkable growth and prosperity of
recent years. We hope that someday, God willing, we will strike oil in our
country and will not be required to buy crude oil from other countries.
Heavy drains on Ethiopia's foreign exchange will be eliminated, as these
requirements are reduced to those needed to provide the essential supply
of crude oil and to maintain this refinery in proper working order.
Although there are some technicians trained We need many trained
personnel. As experience is obtained, Ethiopians will increasingly assume
larger responsibilities for the administration and technical operation of this
installation. The impact of the establishment of this installation is thus not
single but multiple in its effects.
It was long argued that smaller nations such as Ethiopia cold not support
or justify the construction of complex and costly facilities such as that
which rises before Us. The contention, already disproved in theory, will
soon be even more effectively rebutted in practice. The success which
We are confident will mark the Assab refinery's operations will spur
Ethiopia to follow this example in other areas vital to growth and
self-sufficiency of the nation's economy.
For the support and guidance which have led to the achievement of this
important new industrial asset, We and Our people are deeply grateful.
The U.S.S.R. Government, through the credit advanced for the financing
of this project, have reaffirmed their sympathy in the deepest aspirations
of Our people. The bonds between us have been strenghtened as a result
of our co-operation in this endeavour co-operation into many other areas
of economic and technical advance. The magnificent accomplishments of
the Soviet people in the development of heavy industry throughout the
recent past provide a stirring example to Our people. A fine example of
which is te Polytechnical Institute which is a source of knowledge
presented to us by the Soviet Government.
We thank the Soviet engineers and technicians for the co-operation they
have shown with Our people in building up this refinery.
It is our firm determination, and that of Our Government, that the full
impact of modern industrial progress will be felt to the farthest corners of
the Empire. Alll Ethiopians welcome the promise of this new industrial
era. We and Our Government shall do all within our power to hasten the
day when its full benefits are enjoyed by every Ethiopian.
We wish to thank His Excellency the Soviet Ambassador, Mr. A.
Boudakov, for his sincere co-operation and great effort to bring about the
conclusion of the construction Agreement of this petroleum refinery.
This refinery is but one of the significant steps in Ethiopia's drive for a
rapid industrialization, within the framework of modern Ethiopianism, for
it answers in a convincing manner the aspirations of the nation to press
forward in constructing on the foundations already laid an edifice worthy
of its striving.
| Chapter XII |
| Cornerstone Of Assab Refinery May 08, 1965 |
| Transportation & Communication |