Hailemariam calls for commitment to build strong developmental political economy

Addis Ababa, March 16 (WIC) – Ahead of the 9th congress of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), the party’s chairman stressed the need to build a strong developmental political economy.

In an exclusive interview with WIC, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said members of the party should tackle rent-seeking behavior to achieve the milestone developmental endeavors that awaits the government.

He said efforts of building a developmental army to realize the country’s renaissance will be strengthened.

EPRDF is set to hold its 9th ‘historic’ congress in Bahir Dar from March 23 to 26, 2013. It will be the first congress in the absence of former chairman of EPRDF, the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

“It is a unique congress as it comes in the aftermath of a smooth succession of power carried out as per the party’s succession plan following the passing of our great leader,” Hailemariam told WIC.

The congress will deliberate on mid-term (two-and-half years) performance of the Growth and Transformation Plan as well as the performance of priority areas set out during the 8th congress, Hailemariam said.

“It will also be an opportunity to celebrate the successive economic achievements of the last 12 reform years while we also commit to our vision to achieve more success,” Hailemariam told WIC.

Hailemariam said he is optimistic about achieving the country’s vision to become a middle income country in 10 to 15 years time.