During the previous fiscal year, 2013/2014, Ethiopia managed to earn U.S $ 400 Million from the export of manufactured commodities, Ministry of Industry disclosed.

According to the Public Relations and Communication Affairs Head at the Ministry, Melaku Taye, even if the performance is below 50 percent of what was aimed, it still exceeds the nation’s performance during the previous fiscal year.

Melaku furthered, Ethiopia’s achievements are proof for the nation’s competitiveness in the manufacturing sector is growing. He added the sector is aspiring to create an export-led industry and it is playing positive role to the rapid technology transfer.

The Head admitted there were limitations in providing service in logistics, customs, finance related services. Among the limitations, he remarked, some are lack of competition in domestic markets and the inclination of diverting products to those markets. Other limitation such as, low use of technology, management and technical limitations of companies, supply shortage, lack of sufficient integration of
factories and delay of projects, were also mentioned.

By evaluating incentive systems and their continues implementation, measures are being taken to tackle the limitations identified.

Melaku also noted in the future priority will be given to supporting factories in importing, facilitate the development of industrial zones and encourage the production of value added quality products.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency