Ethiopia's first free trade zone fully operational

 The free trade zone will boost the East African country's capabilities in attracting international companies engaged in various manufacturing industries, the IPDC said in a statement issued Tuesday, quoting Fisseha Yitagesu, chief executive officer of the IPDC, as saying.

 Noting that concerned Ethiopian government stakeholders have been exerting joint efforts to bring the Dire Dawa Free Trade Zone to operate at its full capacity, Yitagesu reaffirmed the Ethiopian government's strong commitment to supporting investors and facilitating their engagements inside the free trade zone.

 The free trade zone comprises the Dire Dawa Industrial Park, which was built by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, a dry port and an Ethiopia-Djibouti railway station, with access to an international airport nearby.

 Last month, the Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company (EDR) announced the successful connection of the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway line to the Dire Dawa Free Trade Zone.

 According to EDR chief executive officer Takele Uma, linking the free trade zone with the railway infrastructure is expected to enhance trade and commerce in the region.