The 3rd Metal and Engineering International Exhibition was opened in Ethiopia. The exhibition is targeted at promoting the metal industry sector and developing market relationships between the domestic and international metal institutions.

It is expected that the exhibition will serve as a platform to bring together those engaged in the sector.

Several project launched in Ethiopia as part of developmental initiatives such as the railway network, hydro electric power generating dams, sugar and fertilizer factories all require a significant amount of input from the metal sector according to Tadesse Haile, State Minister for Industry.

The sector thus needs to utilize opportunities to enhance its capacity through efforts sucg as the Metal Industry Development Institute which aims to create market links and to build the capacity of the sector he said.

The metal and engineering sector is also foundational for the development of the industrial sector with basic metal engineering industries one of the top priority sectors in national industrial plans according to Tadesse.

The Ethiopian Association of Basic Metal and Engineering Industry has carried out a range of efforts to enhance and improve the sector said Aseged Mamo, President of the association.

Facilitating industrial networks, adopting policies conducive to the sector, identifying obstacles in the sector and encouraging mutual support have been part of the efforts exerted by the association said Aseged. 

Major challenges faced by the sector are shortages in raw materials, electricity, export problems and bureaucratic red tape he noted.

Source: Ethiopian Press Agency