ECONOMY

The Eritrean Government is currently engaged in creating a modern, technologically advanced and internationally competitive economy where private enterprise is the driving economic force. Historically, Eritrea has been a trading nation with its strategic location and accessibility to the markets of the Middle East and Africa.

Food Self-sufficiency Drive, Eritrea

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is the main sector of Eritrean economy, and three quarters of the population is dependent upon the production of crops and livestock. The main crops are cotton, sorghum, vegetables, wheat, millet, sesame and beans. The government has targeted this sector as a priority, identifying the attainment of food security as a long term goal. This includes increasing food production as well as the employment and income levels of the rural population.

FISHING

With a coastline of over 1,200 km, Eritrea has

The Red Sea Port of Massawa

considerable marine resources. In the 1950's, the annual catch of low value fish was over 25,000 tons, most of which was exported. The Ministry of Maritime Resources is developing fishing communities along the coast, assisting fishermen with long time credits and training programmes, as well as promoting the habit of eating fish. Not only pelagic and demersal fish, but also shark, lobster, shrimp, shells (including pearl shells), and sea cucumber are caught.

MINERAL RESOURCES

Minerals and Energy Geological surveys from the Italian colonial period through the 1970's show occurrence of great mineral resources. There are deposits of metals, as gold, zinc, silver, nickel, lead, chrome, copper and iron, as well as of industrial minerals as kaolin, silicon sand, limestone, marble, salt and potash. There are also reserves of oil and natural gas.

Expanding Electricity in all Parts of Eritrea

ENERGY

The Department of Mines now conducts regional mining surveys. Serious negotiations are being conducted with companies interested in mining activities and off-shore oil exploration. Today, most energy used in Eritrea comes from biomass such as wood and charcoal. The Department of Energy is trying to increase energy output. Fuel oil powered electrical generation has been the driving force of the improvements, but also solar energy is being introduced.

WOMEN

An increasing number of women are engaged in business enterprises in urban areas. Women constitute 21 per cent of the national assembly and 13 per cent of ministers. Women can enter into marriage freely. Bride price and dowry are prohibited by law. Women play a significant role in the rural economy.