The Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration announced that 325,000 liters of illegally transported fuel were seized in the past six months as part of efforts to regulate the fuel market. Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Dr. Kassahun Gofe, stated that companies involved in this illegal activity have been fined 116 million Birr.
The Minister, mentioning that a six-month performance review of the Ministry and its affiliated institutions is underway under the motto "Towards a refined trade system," announced that the export trade sector generated $3.28 billion in revenue during this period.
He highlighted the effective implementation of online trade registration and licensing, adding that legal and administrative action has been taken against 18 employees of the institution for misconduct.
Over 2.5 million trade registration and licensing services were provided in the past six months, a significant increase compared to the previous year's annual performance of 2.4 million, he stated.
The Minister, in a social media post, also mentioned that improvements in cement trade have led to a stable supply and a 50% reduction in price. He added that reforms in the salt trade have made the market fairer and more accessible to all, ending the monopoly held by a few traders.
He further noted that the Quality Village project, representing Ethiopia and achieving remarkable success, is a significant accomplishment of the past six months. Discussions for World Trade Organization membership have resumed, and preparations are underway for the fifth round of negotiations with a team of qualified professionals.