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Interview: Ethiopia hails progress of Chinese-built railway project

Xinhua, October 24, 2015 Adjust font size:

A top Ethiopian railway official has hailed the progress of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway Project being carried out by two Chinese companies.

"The Ethio-Djibouti railway project status is now overwhelming; it is more than 87 percent completed," said Engineer Getachew Betru, CEO of the Ethiopian Railway Corporation(ERC).

During an exclusive interview with Xinhua, the CEO said that the project is marching toward completion probably in the next few months.

The 756 km electrified railway that connects the two East African countries has been contracted by two Chinese companies, namely China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), and China Railway Group (CREC).

The Sebeta/Addis Ababa to Miesso section is being carried out by CREC, and the other section from Miesso to Djibouti port by CCECC.

The two contracting companies are doing the job properly, said Getachew.

Stating that progress of the project has been very good, the CEO has commended the contractors and other parties involved in the project for the achievements so far.

"The progress of the work has been very good by the supervising, the engineers judgment, by the Ethiopian Railway Corporation judgment and also by all stakeholders judgment," he said.

"We really thank the contractors for involving in this project; the consultant company that is involved in this project, and also the stakeholders involved who are in this project," he said.

The CEO also noted that the Ethio-Djibouti railway project is very good symbol for the relationship forged between Ethiopia and China.

"It is very good sign of the Ethio-Chinese relationship in terms of engaging the contractor company to do such work in the last 36 months," said the CEO.

Recalling that 250 students have been trained in China in the railway sector, he said the project carried out by the Chinese companies plays role in technology and knowledge transfer.

The Ethio-Djibouti Railway project is expected to play significant role in import-export trades and also economic cooperation between Ethiopia and Djibouti while contributing to regional integration.

Speaking during the opening of a textile and garment exhibition on Wednesday in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, President Mulatu Teshome of Ethiopia, noted that the railway to Djibouti contributes significantly to Ethiopia's global industrial competitiveness. Endit