ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese-built Ethiopia-Djibouti railway on Monday began transporting livestock from central Ethiopia to ports in Djibouti, according to the Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company (EDR).

Takele Uma, chief executive officer of the EDR, in a statement issued Monday, lauded the move, emphasizing that it will further diversify and maximize the 752-km railway's transportation services between the two countries.

He said the newly launched livestock transportation service will enhance the railway's role in facilitating Ethiopia's exports to the international market, in addition to its significant contribution to the shipment of imported goods to central Ethiopia through the Red Sea nation of Djibouti.

"This approach will maximize the use of our open wagons, which were previously used only for imports. It will also boost the exported meat quality by minimizing transport stress on animals, showcasing Ethiopia's commitment to efficient and sustainable trade," the EDR chief said.

Ethiopia, Africa's second most populous nation after Nigeria with about 120 million people, boasts the largest livestock population in Africa, with an estimated 70.3 million cattle, 95.4 million sheep and goats, and 8.1 million camels, according to recent data from the World Bank.

In recent years, the East African country has been working to address the major constraints in the livestock sector and enhance its contribution to the country's economy.

In May, the Chinese management contractors of the Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway officially handed over the railway's management and operation to Ethiopia and Djibouti after six years of successful operation.

Official data reveal that the railway had transported 680,000 passengers and 9.5 million metric tons of cargo by May 2024, with an average annual transportation revenue increase of 39 percent over the past six years. Since 2018, the railway has developed its freight market and expanded its service offerings, including cold-chain transportation, commuter trains for villagers, and special trains for automobile transport. Enditem

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