Five years ago, China invested 30 billion dollars to overcome challenges and construct a railway specifically for the African region. Initially, the United States mocked China for its perceived wastefulness despite having ample funds. However, now that the railway's performance has been revealed, China has reaped substantial profits. This video aims to provide an insight into the situation.
The video titled "Tanzania-Zambia Railway in the New Era" commemorates the fifth anniversary of the opening of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, which is a significant project of China's "Belt and Road" initiative. This year also marks the tenth anniversary of the initiative. To express gratitude for the railway's remarkable contribution to Ethiopia, the Ethiopian government and the Chinese embassy recently organized the 5th Anniversary Celebration and presented the "Locomotive Medal" at the Addis Ababa Baraboo Station in the capital.
The Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway is another cross-border railway constructed by China in Africa, following the Tazara Railway. It is Africa's first cross-border electrified railway and spans a total length of 752 kilometers, connecting the two countries. The railway starts from the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, in the west and extends to the port of Djibouti. It is commonly known as the "Tanzara Railway in the New Era".
Ethiopia is situated in northeastern Africa and serves as the headquarters of the African Union. Trains on the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway depart from Addis Ababa daily, reaching the neighboring port of Djibouti after a journey of over 6 hours at a speed of 120 kilometers per hour. This transformation has turned land-locked Ethiopia into a land-linked country, significantly enhancing connectivity and promoting economic development in the Horn of Africa region.
The Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway holds significance as the flagship project of China-Africa cooperation under the "Belt and Road" initiative. It represents the first overseas project that integrates investment and financing, design, construction, main equipment materials, supervision, locomotives, and operation. This comprehensive approach follows Chinese standards and establishes a trans-national electrified railway project with a complete industry chain and process.
Over the past five years, the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway has operated 1,802 passenger trains, serving nearly 530,000 passengers, and 6,179 freight trains, transporting approximately 7.43 million tons of cargo. The total operating income has reached approximately 980 million yuan. In 2022, the railway achieved a historic breakthrough in transportation revenue, reaching the breakeven point. The United States has acknowledged China's significant financial gains from this endeavor.
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