Ethiopia’s landlocked status has been a barrier to its trade and development limiting its potential for growth and prosperity. By granting Ethiopia sea access, neighboring countries can foster mutually beneficial economic partnerships and contribute to the overall stability and development of the region.
Ethiopia’s access to the sea will undoubtedly accelerate its economic growth, but it is also important to note that the benefits extend beyond the country. The neighboring countries that may contribute to granting Ethiopia sea access will also experience significant economic development. This mutually beneficial relationship will lead to an increase in per capital income not only for Ethiopia but for the entire region.
Granting Ethiopia sea access demonstrates regional solidarity and cooperation. By supporting Ethiopia’s economic aspirations, neighboring countries can foster a sense of unity and shared goals. This positive environment will encourage further collaboration in various sectors leading to increased regional stability, peace, and improved living standards for all citizens reflected in higher per capita incomes.
Ethiopia’s request for sea access should be seen as an opportunity to enhance regional integration and cooperation. By enabling Ethiopia to have direct access to the sea, neighboring countries can create a more connected and prosperous region. This would facilitate the movement of goods, services, and people leading to increased trade volumes and economic exchanges that will benefit all parties involved.
By addressing challenges faced by Ethiopia, neighboring countries can demonstrate their commitment to fostering a vibrant and interconnected African economy. This, in turn, will attract more regional and international investors, stimulate job creation, and fuel economic growth throughout the region.
Neighboring countries should recognize the potential for increased trade and investment opportunities that come with granting Ethiopia sea access. Ethiopia’s large population and rapidly growing economy make it an attractive market for goods and services. By allowing Ethiopia to access the sea, neighboring countries can tap into this market, expand their export bases, and diversify their economies leading to increased investment and economic benefits for all parties involved.
Ethiopia views access to the sea as a vital factor in ensuring the survival and wellbeing of its citizens. It is no longer seen as a luxury but as a necessity, given the country’s growing population and demand for resources. Access to the sea would also allow Ethiopia to diversify its economy, create jobs, and tap into the potential of the economy. The government’s efforts to secure access to the sea indicate that Ethiopia has a long-term vision for its growth and prosperity.
With sea access, Ethiopia can import raw materials at lower costs, establish industries that rely on global supply chains, and produce finished goods for export. Neighboring countries can benefit from this by supplying raw materials to Ethiopia providing technical expertise and participating in joint ventures that capitalize on Ethiopia’s competitive advantage in sectors such as textiles, leather goods, and agro-processing.
Granting Ethiopia sea access can facilitate the importation of fertilizer, advanced farming technologies and high-quality seeds which will enhance agricultural productivity and contribute to food self-sufficiency. Neighboring countries can support this by sharing their expertise in agriculture, providing access to markets for Ethiopian agricultural products and collaborating on research and development initiatives.
Through collaborations in the energy sector, Ethiopia and neighboring countries can harness their collective resources to meet the increasing energy demands of the region. Ethiopia’s potential for hydropower generation and other renewable energy sources could be harnessed to provide electricity to both Ethiopia and neighboring countries. By working together, these countries can establish energy interconnections and develop a reliable and sustainable energy network that benefits the entire region.
By supporting Ethiopia’s request for sea access, neighboring countries can contribute to the socioeconomic development of Ethiopia reducing the potential for conflicts arising from economic disparities and grievances rooted in inequality. By actively pursuing sea access, Ethiopia can overcome the challenges posed by its landlocked status and pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable future.
Access to the sea enables countries to engage in international trade, facilitating the movement of goods and services across borders. By utilizing shipping routes and establishing ports, nations can boost their economies and create jobs through increased imports and exports. This not only benefits individual nations but also fosters global economic growth.
By the same token, access to the sea promotes tourism attracting visitors from around the world. Coastal areas often offer scenic beauty, diverse marine ecosystems, and recreational activities. By capitalizing on these resources, countries can develop thriving tourism industries, generating revenue and employment opportunities. This symbiotic relationship between coastal regions and visitors fosters economic growth leading to prosperity for both tourists and the local population.
Access to the sea is of paramount importance for Ethiopia, not only in the present but also for future development and prosperity. As a landlocked country, Ethiopia faces significant challenges in terms of trade, transportation, and accessing global markets. However, by establishing maritime access, Ethiopia can unlock a plethora of economic opportunities that will drive sustainable growth and enhance its position on the global stage.
Through international agreements, countries can establish fair and equitable access to the sea preventing conflicts over maritime boundaries. These agreements promote cooperation, collaboration, and diplomatic relations among nations. By respecting one another’s rights and sharing resources, countries can maintain peace and stability.
Another aspect of the win-win nature of sea access is the potential for technological advancements and innovation. Countries with coastal access can develop and implement cutting-edge technologies for various sectors like shipping, renewable energy, marine engineering, and fisheries. This technological progress can stimulate economic growth and drive global innovation.
The demand for sea access encourages investment in coastal infrastructure development. Building modern port facilities, improving transportation networks, and establishing maritime security measures create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth. These investments also enhance a country’s ability to respond effectively to natural disasters and provide assistance during emergencies.
From a strategic perspective, sea access provides Ethiopia with a stronger geopolitical position. It enables the country to actively participate in regional and international affairs fostering political alliances, partnerships, and diplomatic relations. By being connected to global maritime networks, Ethiopia can enhance its influence, strengthen its voice in international forums and promote its national interests on a broader scale.
The granting of sea access to Ethiopia can lead to increased tourism opportunities in the region. Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and diverse landscapes are attractive to tourists worldwide. By having sea access, Ethiopia can develop coastal tourism destinations, offering visitors the chance to explore pristine beaches, engage in water sports, and experience unique marine ecosystems. This would not only benefit Ethiopia but also create opportunities for collaboration and entrepreneurship in the tourism industry across the region.
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 with ENA, 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.
BY ADDISALEM MULAT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2023
