Ethiopia is intensifying efforts to rectify its trade imbalance by enhancing transport and logistics infrastructure, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics announced at a forum held in Addis Ababa under the theme ‘Driving Efficiency through Seamless Connectivity.’
Speaking at the forum, Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime highlighted the government’s commitment to reducing the nation’s trade deficit through strategic improvements in the sector, particularly in railway infrastructure. He emphasized that enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of transport and logistics services, including the railway network, is crucial for achieving a balanced trade regime and strengthening Ethiopia’s global competitiveness.
The minister outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing sectoral challenges, streamlining export-import operations, and ensuring a robust and efficient transport and logistics system to stabilize trade balance and improve Ethiopia’s international standing. While acknowledging recent progress, he underscored the need for continued and intensified efforts, particularly in advancing railway infrastructure to reduce the trade deficit.
Takele Uma, CEO of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway (EDR), reinforced the railway’s critical role in facilitating Ethiopia’s export-import trade. He noted that since its inception in January 2018, the EDR has significantly improved service speed and reliability.
“The Ethio-Djibouti Railway is a crucial artery for our trade,” Takele stated. The 756-km electrified railway, linking Ethiopia and Djibouti operates with 16 stations in Ethiopia and 4 in Djibouti. It also boasts a substantial fleet of freight wagons, electric locomotives, and passenger coaches, ensuring efficient cargo transportation.
Both the minister and the CEO stressed the importance of strengthened stakeholder collaboration to enhance logistics efficiency and boost Ethiopia’s global competitiveness. They called for faster and higher-quality services to support the growing export sector.
The government is actively working to streamline transport and logistics operations by investing in infrastructure projects and engaging stakeholders to reduce costs and improve service delivery. It remains committed to ensuring that efficient transport and logistics serve as catalysts for economic growth and the correction of the trade imbalance, thereby enhancing the country’s global standing.
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