Manila:Ethiopia has set its priorities for the 2019 fiscal year, focusing on consolidating economic gains through structural transformation, enhancing human development, maintaining peace, and strengthening capabilities. The joint session of the House of People's Representatives and House of Federation opened a new five-year political and institutional period, with President Taye Atske Selassie highlighting key national directions.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, President Taye called for faster, accountable, and sustainable development during his address. He emphasized the need for improvements in governance, productivity, public services, national unity, and prosperity. Eight priorities were outlined: safeguarding peace, pursuing quality-driven transformation, accelerating human development, sustaining economic growth, modernizing project execution and financing, strengthening tax and debt management, improving federal-regional coordination, and adopting a more influential foreign policy.
The President stressed that achieving these goals requires robust implementation capacity, ethical public service, political dialogue, intensified anti-corruption efforts, and stronger technological, defense, and security capabilities. Ethiopia's recent economic performance in agriculture, irrigation, manufacturing, mining, exports, foreign direct investment, tourism, digital infrastructure, and services provides a foundation for the next development phase.
President Taye attributed sustained growth to the government's 10-year development plan, which includes stronger domestic revenue mobilization and completing long-delayed projects. Public participation has been crucial, exemplified by initiatives like the Green Legacy Initiative. Economic indicators reflect this momentum, with significant increases in crop production, foreign trade revenue, and foreign direct investment.
Moving forward, Ethiopia aims to transition from economic expansion to structural transformation, prioritizing quality and productivity in agriculture, industry, and infrastructure. Human development will focus on improving the quality of education, health, and social protection services. The government set targets to increase access to electricity, clean water, health insurance, and forest coverage, and to extend student feeding programs.
To meet development goals, the President called for modern and efficient project execution and financing systems, improved tax administration, and systematic debt management. The government plans to increase the tax revenue-to-GDP ratio and reduce inflation. President Taye emphasized the importance of public servants prioritizing citizens' needs and serving with dedication.
Peace and national unity are central to Ethiopia's development agenda. The President called for political stability, unity, and cooperation, urging a departure from armed political violence. He underscored the significance of implementing the National Dialogue outcomes to strengthen political and social consciousness.
Federal-regional cooperation is another priority, with the President advocating for collaborative efforts between federal and regional institutions. Successful experiences in agricultural productivity and urban projects should be expanded and treated as national assets.
Ethiopia's foreign policy aims to transform from 'mere acceptance to influence,' with a focus on regional peace and economic integration. Hosting the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference will showcase Ethiopia's commitment to climate action.
In tourism, Ethiopia aims to attract over 1.6 million visitors, aligning with broader economic development ambitions. The President also addressed combating corruption and strengthening institutions, calling for intensified efforts to eliminate corruption and malpractice.
Strengthening technology, defense, and security is crucial for Ethiopia's development ambitions. The government will focus on self-reliance through modern technology and maintaining strong defense capabilities.
The President emphasized the need for early problem identification and transformative solutions to ensure future progress. Concluding his address, he called for shared responsibility in safeguarding national unity and prosperity, urging Ethiopians to maintain recent gains in productivity and development.
