Ethiopia, Sudan to begin land transport
October 11, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) – The construction of a highway that connects neighboring countries of Ethiopia and Sudan is completed, said the Sudanese embassy in Addis Ababa.
Most of the construction of the highway connecting the two countries is completed and will be inaugurated in two weeks time, the Sudanese diplomat Mohamed Yousef Hassan told pro-government Walta information center.
The land transport will further scale up the trade exchange and investment flow between the two countries
Further more the Inauguration of the highway enables to commence a road transportation service to and from Addis Ababa and Khartoum, the Minister indicated.
In connection with the inauguration of the highway, a team of tourists will travel from Khartoum to Addis by vehicle and arrangements are well underway to this end, he elaborated.
Hassan indicated that many Sudanese investors are engaged in Ethiopia in leather and leather products, meat and fishery investment sectors and this has created job opportunities to several Ethiopians.
A symposium will be held soon to promote the investment alternatives in the two countries, it was learnt.
EXEMPLARY RELATIONS
In addition to their membership to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the amicable relation between Ethiopia and Sudan is exemplary in the continent, said the Sudanese diplomat.
Ethiopia and Sudan have a strong and reliable relationship in the political, economic and social spheres, Hassan said, adding that the two countries are undertaking various activities to further strengthen these relationships.
Sudan is the major oil supplier neighboring country to Ethiopia since recently. On the other hand, activities are well underway to import electric power from Ethiopia, he said
Sudan exports oil, gas and other commodities to Ethiopia and imports coffee, leather and leather products, tea and other agricultural products.
The two East African countries have untapped resources. Their cooperation and collaboration will have huge economic significance for the two peoples.
In connection with its oil, Sudan currently requires large number of labor power and this is an area of huge mutual benefit, he said.
Also trading activities have increased across the borders of the two countries and this has significantly contributed in alleviating disputes.
(ST)