Asmara, May 2009 – President Isaias Afwerki stated that Eritrea’s relations regarding economic strategy is based on fostering equitable investment partnership. He made the statement in an interview with Business Week magazine which is based in China.

In the interview focusing on Eritrean-PRC relations, Eritrea’s socio-economic progress, natural resources and food security, as well as prospects and challenges in the domain of investment, the President pointed out that Eritrea welcomes any investor keen to promote the country’s available resources and potentials as long as such investment aims at fostering sound and equitable partnership.

Noting that Eritrea’s priority of priorities is that of achieving food security, President Isaias indicated that the endeavors exerted over the past few years in this sphere are registering encouraging outcome. He further explained that the nation would realize the set goal in the near future.

Despite the fact that various acts of economic conspiracy and external challenges were weaved against Eritrea, it has nonetheless mounted concerted efforts to ensure national security and safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the President elaborated. He also outlined the impressive achievements registered in reinforcing development programs alongside the aforementioned tasks.

Replying to a question on the extent of Eritrea’s accomplishments in harnessing resources in the field of energy, tourism and the virgin coastline endowments, President Isaias underlined that it is of paramount importance to effectively harness available resources for the benefit of the majority and in a manner that ensures the building of strong national economy and promote equitable allocation of resources. To this end, he pointed out that top priority is being given to making substantial investment towards developing infrastructure and human resource capacity which are the cornerstone for registering greater achievements in other sectors, and thereby improve the people’s standard of living.

Moreover, the President noted the gratifying accomplishments scored in the development of fisheries resources, and that putting in place the necessary infrastructure facilities in the sector would provide impetus to the ongoing efforts to attain food security.

As regards development of the mining sector, he stressed the need for streamlining efficient management and proper handling of natural resources with a view to ensuring balanced and equitable development, for otherwise it might become a curse instead of a blessing as being witnessed in some countries. In this connection, President Isaias underscored that the required activities should be undertaken to develop skilled manpower, promote sound ecology and introduce efficient management, as well as reliable institutional capacity.

Stating that putting in place the necessary infrastructure facilities constitute the basis of all-round development, the President explained that Eritrea has been and continues to exert unremitting endeavors in this domain and that impressive achievements have already been scored.