Ethiopia secures ETB 235 million from exports to Sudan

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

September 20, 2009 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopia has earned 235 Million Birr foreign currency from agricultural products it exported to Sudan over the year, Customs office Gondor branch said.

The goods were exported via North West Ethiopia’s Metema and Humera customs posts.

According to Tatek Amanu, coordinator at the north western customs branch, Ethiopia has exported 17,200 livestock and 154,000 quintals of various types of crops to Sudan. In return it has imported Sorghum, processed products, canned food, drinks and vehicles.

The rising trade exchange between the two neighbor countries is further strengthening their ties and also advancing their foreign currency. But the illegal smuggling of products back and forth still remains to be a challenge to control.

Every week, 6.5 million Birr worth goods are illegally smuggled from Ethiopia to Sudan (some 340 million Birr a year), and similarly a 2.2 million worth goods are illegally imported to Ethiopia from Sudan.

Live stocks, coffee and timber are the top three most smuggled to Sudan from Ethiopia. A recent study shows that every day, on average 150 livestock are illegally smuggled to nearest markets in Sudan for sale.

Currently both countries are making concrete efforts to jointly halt contraband border trade.

(ST)