Addis Ababa: With the growing infrastructure developments, the city has become a more vibrant and accessible destination, offering a range of modern amenities and services to the diverse needs of visitors, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Atif Sharif Mian told ENA.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the ambassador stated that infrastructure facilities in Addis Ababa have seen significant improvements. “I think infrastructure has really improved in the last one year with the corridor project, the traffic bottlenecks have improved. The beauty of the city has improved that I’m sure it will bring more foreign tourists and a lot of Pakistani travelers are transiting through the Bole International Airport, and I want to give them a message to have a one night or two night stopover in Addis Ababa to explore the city,” he added.
The ambassador encouraged Pakistani travelers to consider stopping over in Addis Ababa, highlighting the opportunities the city offers with enhanced service delivery. “Go to the Entoto Park, go to the National Palace Museum, and you know, Unity Park-they will enjoy all. And the businessmen also; I think, the infrastructure is improving, the electricity reliance is improving, and the ease of doing business is improving.”
The infrastructure facilities in Addis Ababa have seen significant improvements, leading to reduced traffic congestion and an aesthetically pleasing environment. Additionally, the enhancement of public facilities and the overall cleanliness of the city are raising the standard of the city, for both its residents and visitors alike, Ambassador Atif Sharif added.
According to him, it’s a two-way process. In some aspects, Addis Ababa is doing better than Pakistani cities, and in other aspects, Pakistani cities are doing better, calling for an exchange of experience between the two cities. The ambassador commended the cleanliness and lush greenery of Addis Ababa.
With the city’s ability to generate revenue through a taxation system, he said other cities can draw important lessons from Addis Ababa’s model of financial autonomy and self-sufficiency, which showcases the benefits of maintaining a well-organized urban environment.
The ambassador underscored that Addis Ababa’s financial autonomy and urban revenue generation systems can serve for the development of the city and the benefit of its residents and as a valuable source of expertise for other cities.
Finally, he emphasized that Pakistani cities and towns can learn a great deal from this model city, highlighting its potential to inspire effective strategies for urban growth and development.