While working as the President of the Southern Regional Government, Hailemariam suffered a severe case of hypertension, which took him to the National Armed Forces Hospital with a doctor’s order to stay away from any unhealthy stress load. Hailemariam resigned from the presidency and took a one month leave.

In April 2006, Hailemariam was appointed Advisor to the Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi.
 

Although Hailemariam resigned as the president of the Southern Regional government, he still held on to his position as Chairman of the Southern People’s Democratic Front. He was re-elected two weeks ago during a general assembly by party members.

The other members of the Maritime Board of Directors are; Birhane GebreMedhin from PPESA, Tsehaynesh Tefera from the Ministry of Transport and Communication, Sissay Tadesse from the Ministry of Capacity Building and a representative of the Maritime and Transit Services Enterprise Employees, Yirgana Buche.
 

The Maritime Enterprise, which is one of the greatest money-makers out of the 135 state enterprises under PPESA, is classified under grade A level. Established in 1968, it made a profit of 20 million Br in fiscal year 2004-2005 and 23 million Br in 2005-2006.

The Maritime Enterprise deals in shipping, clearing and forwarding. It has 310 employees and is headquartered in Addis Abeba, with three branches in Djibouti, Dire Dawa and Moyale.