Ethiopia, Djibouti Agree to Complete Road Links, Improve Customs Efficiency

Addis Ababa  March 24/2023 /ENA/ Ethiopia and Djibouti reached an agreement on the completion of a road that links the two countries and provide solutions to improve customs efficiency.

The 35 kilometer road between Galamo and Moloud will enable the smooth circulation of vehicles and cargo by enhancing transportation between the two countries.

The agreement ensures that the Galamo-Moloud road will be completed within a year, with the appropriate payments being provided to the Ethiopian Construction Works Corporation (ECWC).

The agreement was reached during the visit conducted by the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Alemu Simie to Djibouti.

During the visit the minister met with President of Djibouti, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh  and head of  Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority Omar Hadi to speed up the completion of the project.

Similarly, a delegation from the Ethiopian Customs Commission led by Commissioner Debele Kabeta also paid a four-day working visit to Djibouti.

The customs authorities of Ethiopia and Djibouti raised a wide range of concerns on customs related matters, agreed to collaborate to improve customs efficiency, marking a significant step in enhancing service delivery efficiency to meet international standards.

Harmonized System Codification, Customs Values, TIN Number Guarantee, Ethiopian Bill of Loading, Facilitation of Train Procedures, Export Procedures, and Regional COMESA Transport Guarantee Bonds (RCTG) were some of the issues discussed by the customs authorities of the two countries.

After three days of discussions, an agreed minute was signed to provide solutions to improve customs efficiency, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In their respective engagements, both the Minister of Transport and Logistics and Commissioner of Ethiopian Customs Commission reaffirmed the continued commitment of the Government of Ethiopia to enhance trade, transport and logistical ties between the two countries.