“Let Ethiopia Produce” Initiative is said to have made the industrial sector more productive and competitive by solving the bottlenecks.
Somali Region Chief Mustafe Mohammed indicated following the national reform tangible results were registered in sectors such as investment, industry and urban development.
The “Let Ethiopia Produce’ initiative in particular has been effective in enhancing industrial productivity and competitiveness in the region, he explained.
Mustafe recalled that 10 large industries have started operating following the initiative. The initiative has in fact enabled many firms to engage in the agro-processing sector.
Seconding Mustafe’s statements, Afar Region Chief, Awol Arba, elaborated that the “Let Ethiopia Produce” initiative has created a strong industrial development coordination of stakeholders and solved the bottlenecks of the sector.
He implied that more than 100 small, medium and large enterprises including salt and chemical industry, which were closed in the region due to various reasons, have started operating.
The cooperation of stakeholders in one center is the best way out from challenges in order to meet energy, infrastructure construction and financial supply, he added.
South West Ethiopia Region Chief, Negash Wagesho (PhD), on his part mentioned the government’s commitment and attention on the development of the manufacturing sector at the national level in the ten-year home-grown development plan.
The country’s desire to substitute imported products, into producing quality and quantity of exportable items, as well as to value-add to agricultural and mineral products is commendable, according to Negash.
Negash also stated that the region is working with the youth and opened small and medium enterprises.
Southern Ethiopian Regional Chief, Tilahun Kebede, the initiative has brought about a change in working culture and in using local products in each region.
Tilahun implied that 74 industries engaged in agricultural production, processing, textile and other sectors in the region have started production at full capacity.
Over 200 companies are expected to participate in the five-day event “Let Ethiopia Produce” Expo and Bazaar’ starting from May 9th at the Millennium Hall, Addis Ababa.