ADDIS ABABA: The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has reiterated its dedication to aiding the development of Ethiopia's integrated agro-industrial parks, which are pivotal in the nation's economic transformation and rural poverty alleviation.According to Ethiopian News Agency, Tezera Dejene, the Agribusiness and Infrastructure Director at UNIDO, stated that the organization is actively collaborating with the Ethiopian government to enhance the productivity of these parks. Integrated agro-industrial parks, which are operational in the Oromia, Amhara, and Sidama regions, play a crucial role in linking agriculture with industry, thereby creating valuable market opportunities for local farmers and contributing to import substitution by processing agricultural products locally.Dejene emphasized the significant impact of these parks in the economic landscape, noting their role in bridging the gap between raw material availability and market demand by connecting smallholder farmers with industries. He highlighted ongoing efforts in offering training, technical support, and promoting private sector participation in these industrial zones.The aim of these initiatives is to bolster the parks' operations and ensure they provide mutual benefits that can spur further economic development and transformation within the sector. This is particularly critical as Africa spends approximately 90 billion USD annually on imported processed products due to underdeveloped local agricultural processing capabilities.UNIDO's commitment extends to continuous support for Ethiopia's endeavors in agricultural processing, acknowledging the substantial role such activities play in reducing the reliance on imported processed agricultural goods. The integrated agro-processing industrial parks have been equipped by the government with essential infrastructure including power, water, by-products treatment facilities, and services for cold and dry products, ensuring they operate at full potential.
Related Articles
Burkina: Brigadier General Kassoum Coulibaly welcomes the reforestation initiative in his department
The Minister of State and Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, Brigadier General Kassoum Coulibaly, welcomed, on Saturday, his department’s reforestation initiative.
‘We know that trees are life, and despite the tasks we have to accomplish, we t…
Renovated Africa Hall in Addis Ababa Becomes Hub for Research and Tourism
ADDIS ABABA: The newly renovated Africa Hall in Addis Ababa has emerged as a significant research center and tourism destination, highlighting Africa’s rich history and diverse art. The transformation is expected to benefit not only Ethiopia but also …
HPR Members Pledge to Work Hard for Prosperity, Sustainable Peace in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, Some members of the new House of People’s Representatives (HPR) said they are committed to contribute their share to the effort underway to ensure the prosperity of Ethiopia and the prevalence of sustainable peace in the country. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Chala Wata said the a democratically elected parliament will play a […]