Selected Speeches Of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I
OPENING WONJI SUGAR ESTATE
It has been Our long cherished desire and aim to see the orderly development of industry in Our country, so as to promote the well-being and prosperity of Our people. We are pleased to be here today to participate in the formal inauguration of this large sugar plantation and factory.
The accomplishment of this project ahead of the stipulated time is a tribute to the technical skill and industry of the people of the Netherlands.
The productivity of a country, and consequent national prosperity, can only effectively be increased by the development of both agricultural and industrial enterprise. This important undertaking has the dual advantage of bringing into the life of Our country not only a product of the soil in commercial quantities but also a new industry as part of the industrial programme.
An enterprise can only proceed satisfactorily if there is mutual confidence. It is Our wish to encourage this undertaking and to extend it to the industries to be established in the future. Therefore, all industries will enjoy the constant support and collaboration of Our Government.
As was mentioned in the speech of the diplomatic representative of the Netherlands, relations between the peoples of Ethiopia and Holland have existed for a very long time. These relations have been strengthened further by the recent visit of His Royal Highness Prince Bernhard, who during his presence among Us left such very pleasant memories.
This enterprise is the result of the combined labours of the peoples of both countries. We wish it every success.
March 20, 1954.
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Emperor Haile Sellassie First Theocracy Reign
Order of the Nyahbinghi
June 21, 2017