While responding to the questions of the members of the parliament (MPs) during the 3rd year 4th round parliamentary regular session, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) touched the political, economic, social, diplomatic issues of current affairs of Ethiopia and the activities of the government. Here are among the important points from his briefing to the legislators.
Ethiopia’s GDP registers double growth
For the first time in its history, Ethiopia’s GDP doubles during the past five years. Ethiopia’s GDP has increased from around 84 billion USD in 2018 to 164 billion USD at this time, which is a milestone achievement. The GDP’s progress is an outcome of multi-sectorial economic approach applied by the government.
The per capita income has also increased to 1549 USD. Five years ago, the per capita income was 882 USD, almost doubling within five years. Though various internal and international man-made and natural challenges remains a serious challenge to the economy, Ethiopia builds a resilient economy amid the challenges.
Ethiopia plans to harvest 800 million quintals
Ethiopia has secured over 600 million quintals of product from the agriculture sector by cultivating over 20 million hectares of land in 2023. By cultivating over 22 million hectares, Ethiopia targets to harvest more than 800 million quintals of grain in 2024 harvest seasons.
The agriculture sector, especially the crop sector is marking a significant development in recent years. Last year, the agricultural sector grew by 6.3 percent, with crop production rising 7.1 percent.
Efforts are also underway to cultivate over three million hectares of wheat in the summer season to sustain the local wheat production development that helps Ethiopia to fully substitute wheat importing.
Resolving differences through National Dialogue
During the past three decades, politicians were frequently asking for National Dialogue. Now with the goal of solving differences and disagreements through negotiation, Ethiopia has established a National Dialogue commission.
Per the report of the commission, the National dialogue Commission is working with great diligence to realize the plan. All Ethiopians should support he commission so as to make the dialogue real and achieve its target. The commission is striving using its maximum capacity to make the process credible and inclusive.
All Ethiopians have to collaborate with the commission. Missing this opportunity is a great lose for Ethiopia and its people. We must use this opportunity to solve our problems.
Gov’t never starts any conflict
The current and past conflicts within Ethiopia are initiated by other actors, not by the government. The federal government has never started a single conflict. Conflicts started by other actors and the federal government is taking actions to defend the national sovereignty, peace, and security of Ethiopia.
The federal government wants to maintain peace. We are working for peace and always ready to solve problems through negotiation and discussions. Those who carrying guns here and there, I advise them to choose peaceful way than violence and chaos.
Give opportunity for unifying narration
Divisive narration dominates the current narration in Ethiopian politics. This narration is destructive and aggravating the problems of Ethiopia. Instead of extreme and divisive narration, Ethiopians have to focus on grand and unifying narration to promote unity, togetherness and diversity.
A unifying narration promotes harmonious coexistence and brings Ethiopians together. But, the divisive narration that excludes others and promotes self-centered narrations affects the smooth and peaceful relations among the peoples with diversified languages, cultures and beliefs.
Ethiopia is the outcome of its citizens from all sides of the country. We have to understand the power of unity. Together we can build a strong and prosperous country.
Ethiopia plans to create 3.9 million jobs
Ethiopia plans to create over 3.9 million job opportunities in this budget year. The Ministry of Labor and Skills is working to create more job opportunities. The plan shows how government gives due focus for job creation for the youth generation.
During the first quarter of the budget year, over half a million job opportunities were created. In addition, through legal way, over 100 thousand overseas job opportunity were created during the first quarter of the year.
Ethiopia’s principled-based access to the sea aspiration
Ethiopia’s desire to have access to the Red Sea is principle-based, not to harm the rights and benefits of any of its coastal neighbors. Ethiopia has no intention to violate sovereignty of its neighbors. We need to make a business law to resolve the issue, through diplomacy.
Ethiopia’s neighbors are expected to take its pursuit for sea access positively as the country could not manage such a large population without reaching an agreement on port use.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2023
