Symposium Of Ministry Of Trade And Industry Opens

The symposium of the Ministry of Trade and Industry opened today at the Expo grounds here in the capital. In an opening speech, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Estifanos Habte, outlined the history of the sector in the country. He noted the endeavors made and the encouraging outcome registered in reactivating the previously paralyzed sector due to colonial rule.

Asmara, 20 April 2011 – The symposium of the Ministry of Trade and Industry opened today at the Expo grounds here in the capital. In an opening speech, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Estifanos Habte, outlined the history of the sector in the country. He noted the endeavors made and the encouraging outcome registered in reactivating the previously paralyzed sector due to colonial rule. 

The Minister further explained that in the contemporary globalization era, no vibrant economy and improved lifestyle could be attained short of producing sufficient and competitive products. In this connection, Mr. Estifanos indicated that the Ministry, in collaboration with the business community and consumers, is doing its level best in strengthening the national economy and improving the people’s living standard through creating conducive ground for investment and trade.

Also in a paper he presented regarding the development of the industrial sector, the director general of industrial development, Mr. Tadesse Woldeyohanes, pointed out that in the early days of independence, there were 42 government-owned and 644 privately-owned establishments with poor production.

He stated that in accordance with the rehabilitation program mapped out by the Government in 1993, due support was made towards renovating the old industries and equipping them with modern equipments. As a result, they began to boost production through applying  80% of their capacity.

Similarly, the director general of handicraft development, Mr. Kidane Solomon, said that the contribution of handicraft works in economic and industrial development is not to be viewed lightly and outlined the vigorous efforts made to promote such activities.