Ethiopian Airlines promotes regional integration, says Songwe

Abstract

Vera Songwe, recently met with Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Tewolde GebreMariam, and praised the airline for championing regional integration through its flights to over 50 destinations on the continent.“Ethiopian Airlines flies to over 58 destinations in Africa connecting the continent, moving people and goods, and thus making the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) possible,” said Ms. Songwe after a tour of the Ethiopian Aviation facilities in Addis Ababa on 29 March. Ms. Songwe described the Ethiopian Airlines Aviation facilities as “an outstanding center of excellence,” noting that sustainable improvements in the sector require complex changes in a range of policy dimensions in areas such as infrastructure, trade facilitation and services. Mr. GebreMariam concurred with Ms. Songwe, stating that trade logistics required the focus and commitment of all African countries and that it is important to liberalize the market in Africa. Both parties agreed to collaborate in finalizing a study on this topic.