Local News

Chief Executive Officer of the Eritrea Free Zone Authority Meets with Public Affairs Officer

Dr. Araia Tseggai

PAO Carol Herrera and Cultural Affairs Assistant Saba Aregahegn were warmly greeted by Dr. Araia Tseggai at his Asmara office of the Eritrea Free Zone Authority (EFZA) on January 23, 2007.  Despite his busy schedule as the EFZA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Araia spent well over an hour explaining the objectives and vision for the free zone plan to his two visitors.  While the program is still in its initial stages of development, infrastructure improvements in Massawa including 13 new warehouses are well underway.  Several business concerns from Asia and the Middle East have already begun or will shortly be starting operations in Massawa.  Dr. Araia noted interest from European and North American companies as well.

Dr. Araia is well suited to head this enormous and complex undertaking.  He received his PhD in Economics from the University of Nebraska in the United States in 1981.  He also studied and taught at a number of other U.S. universities including the University of Michigan, the University of Detroit.  He began his U.S. studies in 1966 through an ASPAU (African Scholarship Program for American Universities) scholarship, a program then funded by USAID.  But his experience with American education began well before his studies in the U.S.  Dr. Araia fondly remembers the many Peace Corps volunteers who served as his teachers when he was a young boy. 

Dr. Araia’s professional experience also includes serving as the governor of the Bank of Eritrea and the general Manager of the Housing and Commerce Bank of Eritrea.  With his many years of studying and applying economics, his vision and drive, Dr. Araia is determined to expand the Free Zones and consequently the Eritrean economy so that the benefits reach every level of Eritrean society.  It’s clear that Dr. Araia Tseggai will do everything he can to make his vision come true.