On November 21, 2024, the “GO TO ETHIOPIA – Global Linen Textile Forum 2024” hosted by the Ethiopian Investment Commission, co-organized by the China Bast and Leaf Fibres Textile Association (CBLFTA) and the Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp, and organized by Kingdom Holdings, was successfully held in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. The forum brought together over 180 representatives from around the world to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore innovative approaches, aiming to promote the sustainable development of the linen industry and enhance the competitiveness of linen products in the market.

At the beginning of the forum, H.E. Zeleke Temesgen, Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, delivered the opening address. He shared the latest insights into Ethiopia’s investment environment, emphasizing the country’s openness and support for foreign enterprises.

Following this, Mr. Weiming Ren, Chairman of the Board of Kingdom Holdings, delivered the keynote speech. He highlighted the critical role of linen in the global textile industry and emphasized the importance of sustainable development. As one of the world’s largest linen spinning enterprises, Kingdom Holdings has consistently pursued technological innovation and social responsibility to drive healthy industry growth.

Mr. Ren also noted that Kingdom’s investment in Ethiopia has reached $70 million, creating local employment opportunities and strengthening the industrial foundation. The establishment of the Kingdom Ethiopia factory serves as a significant practice site for Kingdom’s sustainable solutions. He called on all participants to join forces to create a successful future for the linen teams, enterprises, the industry, and society as a whole.

Ms. Marie-Emmanuelle Belzung, General Delegate of the Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp, delivered a speech titled “European Flax: Traceability and Transparency.” She explored the growing global demand for traceability and transparency in European flax products.

Mr. Chunxing Dong, President of the China Bast and Leaf Fibres Textile Association, emphasized the importance of openness and collaboration within the industry during his speech titled “Openness, Development, and Win-Win.” He called for strengthened coordination and communication across the upstream and downstream sectors of the supply chain to promote the stable development of the linen industry and achieve a mutually beneficial outcome.

Ms. Betelhem Kassim, representing Kingdom (Ethiopia) Linen PLC, shared Kingdom’s ESG journey under the framework of sustainable development goals. She highlighted the transition from a green vision to the realization of “Made in Africa.”

Mr. Manabu Kayama, Managing Director of the Japan Bast Fiber Association, delivered a speech on ” The Prospect of The Bast Fibre in Japan For Sustainable Growth”. He highlighted Japan’s innovations and practices within the bast fiber industry.

During the panel discussion, Mr. Ergin Turanli, General Manager of FILOFIBRA PAZARLAMA A.Ş., served as the moderator and engaged in an insightful conversation with distinguished panelists: Mr. Weiming Ren, Chairman of the Board of Kingdom Holdings; Mr. Marc Depestele, Chairman of DEPESTELE GROUPE; Mr. Vincenzo Cangioli, President and CEO of LANIFICIO CANGIOLI 1859; Ms. Suchitra Menon, CEO of WFB BAIRD & COMPANY LTD; and Mr. Yogesh Mittal, Director of KOTTEX INDUSTRIES PVT. LTD. The panelists explored the challenges and opportunities facing the linen textile industry, exchanging ideas and identifying pathways to drive innovation and sustainable development in the sector.

During the forum, participants visited Kingdom (Ethiopia) Linen PLC, where they conducted a field study of the largest and one of the most technologically advanced linen spinning factories in African history.

This forum not only served as an open platform for dialogue but also presented constructive solutions for the sustainable development of the linen industry’s future.