PM Abiy Ahmed launches Dire Dawa Free Trade Zone

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2022 (FBC) –  Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the Dire Dawa Free Trade Zone, which is believed to improve Ethiopia’s entire economy by boosting the import and export trade of the country.

The establishment of the free trade zone is one of the initiatives set in the 10-year perspective development plan of Ethiopia.

Dire Dawa is selected to be the first free trade zone due to its proximity to ports, market potential and huge cargo gravity as well as suitability for multimodal transport and logistics operation.

“Increasing the economic and technological capacity of our country while traveling in the same old way is a cumbersome journey. We need to follow new and innovative pathways. The world is changing exponentially. Trying to accept the new world with old thinking is considered as good as carrying our youth on our shoulders in the same way we carried them as children,” the Premier said.

“The Free Trade Zones we are building is one of our ways to integrate into a rapidly changing world. I have no doubt that the zones will not only facilitate trade and investment but also enhance our technological capabilities.”