Manila:President Taye Atske Selassie has laid out the nation's primary priorities for the upcoming Ethiopian year 2019, focusing on peace, structural transformation, enhanced public services, institutional coordination, and improved foreign relations.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the President addressed the 7th joint session of the House of People's Representatives and the House of Federation, emphasizing that these priorities are based on an evaluation of past performances to better safeguard national interests and accelerate progress.
A key focus will be on peace, with efforts directed toward strengthening unity and cooperation. Structural transformation will be pursued comprehensively, aiming to enhance quality in education, health, and social services, moving from mere access to improved quality. The President highlighted the importance of capacity building in producing industrial and agricultural inputs, as well as infrastructure development.
Modernizing project implementation processes and improving financial management through better tax base modernization and debt management were also emphasized. Enhanced coordination between federal and regional governments will be crucial to ensure unified and effective implementation.
In foreign affairs, Ethiopia aims to shift from acceptance to greater influence by strengthening regional peace and economic integration. Social and economic progress is anticipated, with targets set for increasing electricity access to 65 percent, expanding water service access, and raising health insurance coverage to 85 percent. Forest coverage is planned to expand from its current 26 percent.
Additionally, the President mentioned expanding Mesob one-stop service centers and increasing school feeding coverage to 70 percent. The justice sector will see modernization, and recommendations from the national dialogue will be translated into action. A culture of dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution will be promoted.
The successful implementation of these priorities demands strong coordination, commitment, and a focus on results across government institutions. President Taye urged officials to prioritize public interests, efficiently use resources, and commit to their responsibilities with diligence.
