Addis Ababa: House of People’s Representatives Speaker Tagesse Chafo has stressed the effective and decisive role played by the Ethio-Djibouti Railways in developing the national transportation and regional connectivity.
The speaker noted that the Ethio-Djibouti Railways has effectively been supporting Ethiopia’s national transportation system that contributes to regional connectivity and national income.
‘It has not only opened up a railway corridor to the ocean but also effectively promoted industrialization and urbanization in the region along the route,’ Tagesse added.
According to him, the railway, which is part of the One Belt One Road Initiative, has become an open, comprehensive, mutually beneficial and win-win cooperative platform between Ethiopia and China.
The railway line connecting Ethiopia and Djibouti is one of the many development projects of the initiative that officially commenced both passenger and freight services in January 2018.
The speaker pointed out that the goals of the One Belt
One Road Initiative are in line with Ethiopia’s interest in achieving progress and prosperity.
‘The objectives of the Belt and Road Initiative are fully aligned with Ethiopia’s prosperity and strategic integration between the two countries.’
The Ethiopian government is focusing on five main areas of development, which are agriculture, industry, information technology, tourism and mining; and the initiative helps to enhance these by building roads, among others.
He finally stated that ‘the Ethiopian government hopes to strengthen its cooperation with China through the Belt and Road Initiative, and promote the complete implementation of this great concept.’
For his part, Transport and Logistics Minister Alemu Seme explained the railway plays in transferring economic resources and achieving regional prosperity in the region.
‘The Ethio-Djibouti Railway plays a crucial role in supporting the economic growth of Ethiopia inland region, facilitating the connectivity of resources from various locations, and enha
ncing regional prosperity.’
The successful completion and operation of Ethio-Djibouti Railways has greatly enhanced trade and strengthened close relations between the two countries, the minister noted.
‘This vital infrastructure project has contributed to facilitating effective transportation of goods, resulting in reduced costs and opened up new venus for economic growth and development in both countries.’
Recall that the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) officially transferred the administrative responsibility of the Ethiopia-Djibouti Railways to the governments of Ethiopia and Djibouti in a ceremony held yesterday in Addis Ababa.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency