Ethiopia gets first free trade zone in Dire Dewa

The new free trade zone comprises the Dire Dawa Industrial Park and the dry port along with the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway station. The Dire Dawa Industrial Park, spanning 150 acres of land, is 445 km away from Addis Ababa, the nation’s capital. Operating since 2018, the park has 15 factory sheds that are equipped with facilities including water supply, electricity supply, telecom services, and feeder roads.

Moreover, Dire Dawa’s market potential, enormous cargo activity, and proximity to ports along with eligibility for multimodal transport and logistics operations were cited as reasons for its selection as Ethiopia’s first free trade zone, according to the country’s government.

“The Free Trade Zone we are building is one of our ways to integrate into a rapidly changing world. I have no doubt that the zone will not only facilitate trade and investment but also enhance our technological capabilities,” said Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed according to the state-run Ethiopian News Agency (ENA).

More free trade zones and special economic zones are also expected to be set up in other regions of the country in the future.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)