Addis Ababa: A discussion forum on the importance of port for industrial parks and the manufacturing sub-sector was held at the Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC) today.
The discussion forum follows the recent Ethio-Somaliland agreement to access the sea.
In his presentation, IPDC Strategic Advisor Kiya Tekalign underscored the immense importance of ports for countries.
He cited the immense importance of global ports like Singapore, Jebel Ali, Rotterdam, and Tanger-Med to the economies of the hosting countries and the disadvantages of not getting access to port.
In this respect, the strategic advisor emphasized Ethiopia’s current status where products cost six times more to trade than countries with ports.
He noted that Bangladesh, for instance, is a stark reminder for Ethiopia to consider accessing reliable port infrastructure.
Kiya stressed the need to be dynamic and strategic to capitalize on such port partnerships like the Ethiopia- Somaliland MoU, and pointed out that Dire Dawa and Ays
ha Parks are in strategic locations.
Industrial Parks Development Corporation CEO, Aklilu Tadesse on his part lauded the Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU as a bold chapter in the nation’s journey towards economic empowerment.
He pointed out that being landlocked with a population exceeding 120 million presents a significant security threat to the entire region.
According to the CEO, this underscores the urgency of unlocking Ethiopia’s port potential and creating efficient trade routes.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency
