The referendum resulted in a landslide vote for independence, which became effective on 24 May 1993. The small industrial sector consists mainly of light industries with outmoded technologies.
Government revenues come from custom duties and taxes on income and sales.
Road construction is a top domestic priority. Eritrea has long-term prospects for revenues from the development of offshore oil, offshore fishing, and tourism. Eritrea's economic future depends on its ability to master fundamental social and economic problems, e.g., overcoming illiteracy, promoting job creation, expanding technical training, attracting foreign investment, and streamlining the bureaucracy. The most immediate threat to the economy, however, is the possible expansion of the armed conflict with Ethiopia.