Gov’t admits reliance on single port as problem
Reporter, Ethiopia
May 2, 2009
Bruck Shewareged
The Ministry of Transport and Communication disclosed that relying on one port has become a bottleneck to the development of import-export trade in the country.
In a nine-month performance report presented to the House of Peoples' Representatives on Tuesday, the ministry announced that although Ethiopia uses ports in neighboring countries most of its import-export trade is conducted through the port of Djibouti.
The report says that Ethiopia is limited to the use of one port land shipping matters and the transit service are not compatible to the economic development and the demand for such services that arise as well.
Most of the country's import-export trade is handled through sea transport. According to the report it accounts for more than 90 percent.
Although there are more than seven ports in neighboring countries, including Port Sudan, Berbera, Moghadishu and Mombasa, almost all import-export trade passes through Djibouti, with the exception of Port Sudan and Berbera which handle a small amount transported f goods.
Since the country is big and has huge population, the report says, the import-export trade is growing fast both in quantity and diversity.
In order to meet the growing demand for port services, the ministry has been for some time devising a strategy in order to render dry port services.
The report says that the ministry is finalizing its preparation and is set to enter the implementation phase.