Ethiopia to use Port Berbera, Port Sudan

Dec 26, 2005 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopia is currently undertaking preparations to use the Berbera and Port Sudan as alternative roots, in addition to the Port of Djibouti, the Maritime and Transit Services Enterprise (MTSE) said.

The enterprise has secured over 16 million Birr during the first quarter of the current Ethiopian budget year from various services.

Enterprise General Manager, Ahmed Yassin told the state-run ENA that the Berbera and Port Sudan have begun providing trial services for Ethiopia in accordance with the port utilization agreement reached with the two sides.

The General Manager said the Enterprise has been providing computerized and efficient services since two years ago.

Ahmed said the Enterprise has been earning better revenue since Ethiopia started using the Djibouti Port.

Ahmed said the enterprise has secured over 16 million Birr revenue during the past three years by transferring 148,000 tons of import and export freight.

Shipping Agency, Freight Forwarding, Stevedoring and shore handling operations, Customs clearing, and Air cargo agency service are some of the major services the Enterprise has been rendering.

(ENA/ST)