Africa-Press – Ethiopia. Ethiopia’s request for access to the sea is based on a win-win approach and mutual economic benefit, Industry Minister Melaku Alebel said.
In an exclusive interview , the minister noted that the economic perspective should weigh much more than its political perspective in Ethiopia’s legitimate demand for access to the sea.
The neighboring countries with access to sea should consider the country’s request as economic benefit, not a threat.
Ethiopia will of course benefit from access to sea to further accelerate its economic growth; but this will not only develop Ethiopia. Certainly, the per capita income of the other countries will also increase as a result, the minister stated.
“The direction set is on win-win basis and in ways that ensure mutual economic benefit of all the countries. This option should (therefore) be taken as a priority by the countries; and I don’t think they should see it as a threat.”
Noting that access to sea is important for Ethiopia not only for now but also for the future, Melaku noted that “these countries can benefit more than Ethiopia by providing port access.”
According to the minster, Ethiopia’s GDP has been doubling within a short time, and countries that provide port services (for the country) should consider it as a blessing because the countries can get economic benefits which they cannot achieve.
Melaku underscored that “the objective (of Ethiopia) is not war, it’s not about politics. The objective is peace and sustainable economic development based on fair mutual benefit.”
The Red Sea coastline has the potential to adequately accommodate ports for 40 countries, the minister said, adding that the issue then should be ensuring mutual benefit through concession.
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