Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority grants free handling charges to Ethiopian cargo for 60 days

April 14, 2020: From April 16, Ethiopian export cargo gated in Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA) will be granted free terminal handling charges for 60 days, an official statement by DPFZA stated. 

“We hope the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea will be fully open to business with the world by then. We encourage international shipping lines (since export is free onboard), inland transporters (railways and road transport companies) and freight forwarders to make a goodwill gesture as well. Let us pull on the same direction,” Aboubaker Omar Hadi, chairman DPFZA said.

Recently, the authority has denied rumours published on various media platforms regarding Ethiopian cargoes entry being restricted in Djibouti. The company stated that there are no such restrictive measures imposed to disrupt the supply or transit of cargo. It further said that “Ethiopia is a brotherly country and Djibouti has always shown its resolute commitment and determination to maintain this strategic and sisterly relationship”. 

Meanwhile, on April 7, Djibouti's ministry of health received medical equipment in response to Covid-19, donated by DPFZA and China Merchants. This included 1,00,000 face masks, 300 PPE, 20,000 sets of gloves, among others.