The implementation of macroeconomic reforms has yielded tangible results in controlling illegal and contraband trade, said Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe.
The Third National Anti-Illegal Trade Conference organized by the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is underway in Addis Ababa.
Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Kassahun Gofe (PhD) said that illegal trade has long affected the country's economy.
He further said that the government is making efforts to control illegal trade and contraband, which has been affecting the trade sector for so long.
He stated that income embezzlement withholding of products, mixing of foreign substances in products, price inflating and other illegal activities have been noticed in the trade system.
He also mentioned that smuggling activities in both import and export trade are wasting government and public resources.
Therefore, he stated that the government has achieved tangible results in controlling illegal trade and smuggling through the implementation of policies and procedures in the past six months.
He noted that the annual income from livestock exports was 18 million dollars in the 2016 fiscal year, and that 20 million dollars has been earned in just five months since the reform.