Measures to be reinforced against illegal activities following macroeconomic reform policy: GCS

Addis Ababa, August 10, 2024 (FBC) – Minister of Government Communication Service (GCS), Legesse Tulu, announced that the government will continue to implement enhanced measures against entities engaged in illegal activities following the implementation of macroeconomic reforms.

The Minister briefed the media today on the progress of the macroeconomic reforms, summer activities, and other current national issues.

In his briefing, Legesse stated that these newly introduced reforms are expected to sustain comprehensive economic growth in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia has embarked on a macroeconomic reform policy to address deep-seated economic structural issues, including foreign exchange distortions and macroeconomic imbalances, it was indicated

The Minister highlighted that 2023 saw numerous successful endeavors, particularly in the tourism, summer irrigation agriculture, and Ethiopia’s tourism sectors.

He further emphasized that the developmental initiatives in various corridors are a source of national pride and benefit to citizens.

Legesse explained that the economy has demonstrated resilience by overcoming both external and internal shocks, achieving sustainable growth.

He asserted that the recently initiated comprehensive macroeconomic reform implementation will reinforce Ethiopia’s growth, contributing to creating a stable macro-economy, improving trade and investment, enhancing sector efficiency and competitiveness, and strengthening the government’s implementation capacity.

The reform plays a crucial role in ensuring inclusive growth, increasing the effectiveness of development projects, and improving government revenue, the Minister stressed.

While acknowledging that the reform is being implemented as planned, Legesse noted that some inappropriate trends have been observed.

He commended the majority of the business community for understanding the necessity of the reforms and continuing their usual business activities with a sense of national duty.

However, the Minister pointed out that some members of the business community, driven by illegal and selfish motives, have engaged in unjustified price hikes and attempts to hoard products.

Legesse emphasized that such actions are baseless and unacceptable.

Consequently, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to intensify its monitoring efforts to ensure accountability under the law.

He also elaborated that there is no justification for price increases due to the macroeconomic reforms and called on the business community to refrain from illegal activities, noting that the government’s reform measures address the very issues they had been requesting.

Legesse further highlighted the government’s extensive efforts throughout the year to maintain law and order and ensure citizens’ safety, mentioning ongoing collaborative efforts with regional states and city administrations to address constraints on product movement.

Speaking on the peace and security affairs of the country, the Minister also reaffirmed the government’s openness for dialogue with armed groups and ongoing negotiations.