The European Union focuses on a key trade route within the Horn of Africa
Today, the European Commission decided to give 3,8 million EUR to help Somaliland to rehabilitate the Berbera Corridor.
The feasibility study and detailed design is a first step towards the development of the Berbera port and the regional trade in the Horn of Africa.
In order to boost trade and economic development in the Horn of Africa, the EU has decided to finance a feasibility study and detailed design with a view on
rehabilitating the Berbera Corridor, one of the key trade routes in the region. With the cooperation of IGAD, the EU is ready to invest in this project that could definitely open up the Horn region and enhance regional trade.
“The port of Berbera has an enormous potential to become a major port of entry for Ethiopia, stated the EU Representative to Somalia, Georges-Marc André. The route runs from the port of Berbera on the Gulf of Aden, through the capital of Somaliland Hargeisa, on to the Ethiopian border. Given Ethiopia’s current dependence on Djibouti for its exports and imports, the Berbera route will boost the trade potential of the Berbera port and the whole region.”
The rehabilitation of the Berbera highway also has considerable potential to
enhance access within Somaliland and to promote economic development along the corridor. The infrastructure project will definitely create new business opportunities and spin off activities.
The proposed study also aims to develop a detailed understanding of:
· the institutional mechanisms necessary to allow international trade along the
corridor,· how to enhance the capacity in the Road Authorities,
· the possibilities for sustainable road maintenance following rehabilitation
· measures to enhance international economic cooperation and integration,
· measures to combat axle overloading along the whole of the Berbera to
Addis Ababa Corridor Given the size of the works necessary, an Environment and Social Impact Assessment will form an essential component of the study, as will the development of an Environmental Management Plan.
The study will take into account key social issues relevant to Somaliland, such as the role of women in the development of key infrastructure, how to consider the disabled, including the continued presence of land mines in the area, and addressing youth unemployment and skills.
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