Reiterating that the railway facilitates Ethiopia's imports and exports via the Addis Ababa-Djibouti corridor, Arkebe Equbay, Minister Advisor to the Prime Minister and also Board Chairman of ERC, highlighted on the role the project plays in the country's economic performance.

He noted that the project also contributes to economic integration in the sub-region, and is a model one from which good experience has been gained for future railway projects to be carried out in the country.

Appreciating the commitment and collaboration of Ethiopians and the Chinese towards the success of the project, La Yifan, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, hailed the project's role in strengthening friendship and also taking the relations between Ethiopia and China to a new height.

He reiterated that the project helps technology and skill transfer between the Chinese experts and Ethiopian counterparts.

Commenced in February 2012, the Sebeta/Addis Ababa-Mieso Railway Project is expected to be fully completed in few months.

CREC is also carrying out the 475-million-US dollar Addis Ababa electrified railway project, which started test-ride early February this year in the capital of the East African nation.

CREC, which is one of the world's top 500 enterprises with 300, 000 permanent staff, has overseas projects in 68 countries and regions.

While working on different projects in Ethiopia, CREC has been supporting the local people, especially those who are by the projects sites, where the Chinese company has undertaken development programs in water supply and road development.