Pakistan, May 14 -- Ethiopia has signed investment deals worth over $1.7 billion with Chinese companies to develop its energy and mineral sectors, the Finance Ministry announced on Tuesday. The agreements were finalized during a two-day investment conference in Addis Ababa focused on attracting foreign capital.

The largest deal includes a $600 million commitment from Sequoia Mining & Processing Plc to expand coal mining operations in Ethiopia. Additionally, Hua Ye Mining Processing Company pledged $500 million to develop a mineral processing plant and a dedicated special economic zone.

China's clean energy companies are also stepping in with significant backing. Hainan Drinda New Energy Technology will invest $360 million in a solar cel...