Ethio-Djibouti railroad key to socio-economic progress: Hailemariam

Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has highlighted on the essential role of the Ethio-Djibouti railroad in advancing the socio-economic status of Ethiopia and Djibouti.

The Prime Minister joined President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti to inaugurate the 100 kilometer rail track built inside the Djibouti boarder which heralded the completion of the Ethio-Djibouti railway line that links Ethiopia to the Port of Djibouti.

The two leaders inaugurated the Ethiopia side of the electrified rail track back in October 2016.

Indicating the role of advanced infrastructure for sustainable economic growth, Hailemairam said the railroad is key in building green economy as it is run by electricity.

The Ethio-Djibouti railroad cuts short the three days road transportation to 12 hours with further benefits of enhancing ties between the two nations.

The Prime Minister also spoke of the transnational nature of the route as it extends up to Dakar, Senegal, assisting Africa’s plan of linking nations with high speed railroad.

The project testifies the growing China-Africa cooperation, he said, referring to the Asian country which covered the cost of the project through its Exim Bank.

Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh for his part cited the project as assurance for transformation.

source  ena