Government aims structural transformation

By Abdurezak Mohammed

ADDIS ABABA –The government seeks the industrial sector to play an important role in GDP growth, job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development over the coming years.

The above remark was made by Abdulsemed Abdo, Advisor to State Minister of Agriculture at the 3rd international agrofood and plastprintpack trade shows kicked off yesterday here at the Millennium Hall.

The overall goal of the government’s Industrial Development Strategy (IDS) is to bring about accelerated structural transformation of the economy through enhancing industrialization, he said adding that it plans to raise the share of the industrial sector of GDP from the current 13 percent to 27 percent by 2025, and the GDP share of the manufacturing sub-sector from the current 4 percent to 18 percent by 2025.

The development of agro-industries presents Ethiopia with an opportunity to accelerate economic development and achieve its industrial development goals. If addressed correctly, agro-industries can help fulfill the potential of agriculture and advance industrialization in the country, according to him. He stated, recognizing this opportunity, the government is spearheading the development of integrated agro-industrial parks and accompanying rural transformation centers with the intention of better integrating agricultural value chain actors.

He further said the ministry will continue working with all development partners and private sector in the area of agriculture and agro processing industries. About 151 global technology leaders from 18 countries are participating in three-day long exhibition.