About Eritrea
The State of Eritrea, is a country in the Horn of Africa. The capital is Asmara. It is bordered by Sudan in the west, Ethiopia in the south, and Djibouti in the southeast. The northeast and east of the country have an extensive coastline on the Red Sea, directly across from Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The Dahlak Archipelago and several of the Hanish Islands are part of Eritrea. Eritrea's size is approximately 124,320 km2 with an estimated population of 5 million. The history of Eritrea is tied to its strategic position on the Red Sea littoral, with a coastline that extends more than 1,000 km. Many scientists believe that it is from this area that anatomically modern humans first expanded out of Africa.
Eritrea's economy is largely based on subsistence agriculture, with 80% of the population involved in farming and herding. Therefore a strategic plan for rural development is the solution to speed up the developing to establishing a strong agriculture base; capable of providing abundant raw materials to industrial units; and exporting agricultural products to states around the Arabic Gulf.
There is in the tourism industry sector a huge potential to attract foreign investment. The coastal waters over which Eritrea has exclusive fishing rights constitute 52,000 square kilometers of probably the richest and for the most unexploited waters of the Red Sea. That represents a tremendous opportunity to develop:
- Fishing industry.
- Tourism.
The scenic and topographic diversity of the country as well as its history are assets to developing a strong tourists' destination. The coastline of pristine sandy beaches, the many islands and the clear water with abundant marine life makes development of recreational facilities a viable possibility.
Eritrea developed its transportation infrastructure by asphalting new roads, improving its ports, and repairing war-damaged roads and bridges as a part of the Warsay Yika'alo Program. The most significant of these projects was the building of a coastal highway of more than 500 km connecting Massawa with Asseb as well as the rehabilitation of the Eritrean Railway. The rail line now runs between the Port of Massawa and the capital Asmara.
Coordinating Ministries
Hon Minister
Ministry of Trade & Industry
P. O. Box 1884
ASMARA
Tel: 291-1-113910/119124;
Fax 291-1-121462/120586/120588
Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Secretary General
Asmara Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 856
ASMARA
Tlx: 42079
Tel: 21388/121589/120096/124537/122456/120045
Fax: 291-1-120138
Manufacturing Association
Export Promotion Board
Investment Centre
Travel/Tourism