Yirgalem Integrated Agro-Industrial Park has obtained over $4.4 million from exports since it went operational in March 2021, the Industrial Parks Development Corporation of Ethiopia's Sidama region announced.

Having 11 shades when it went operational a year ago, Yirgalem Integrated Agro-Industrial Park now houses five companies that produce avocado oil, honey, milk and coffee.

The industrial park has been able to create a direct linkage between the industrial companies and farmers, Memiru Moke, CEO of the Sidama Industrial Parks Development Corporation said. In doing so, he remarked, over 135 thousand farmers have benefited.

Efforts are underway in the industrial park to replace imported value-added coffee and milk related products, Mr. Memiru pointed out.

Yirgalem Integrated Agro-Industrial Park has shades that can serve up to 150 manufacturing companies, with all necessary infrastructure fulfilled, the CEO noted. In light of this, as well as abundance of agricultural produce that can be used as input for production, as well as the provisio of sufficient labor in the area, he has extended calls to investors to take advantage of the investment opportunities at Yirgalem.

Yirgalem Integrated Agro-Industrial Park was inaugurated in March 2021 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Source: ENA (Amharic)

Image Source: Yirgalem Integrated Agro Industrial Park (Facebook)