Bilateral meeting with the Minister for Industry of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia – His Excellency Melaku Alebel

Rome – FAO Director-General QU Dongyu met with His Excellency Melaku Alebel, Minister for Industry of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, at FAO headquarters in Rome, at the sidelines of the World Food Forum 2023 (WFF2023).

The Minister who was participating at the World Food Forum 2023 leading the country’s presentation at the Hand in Hand Investment forum on national fertilizer production, including urea and organic fertilizer; mechanization, including irrigation equipment and animal feed, including composite factories. The Minister also shared with the Director-General his vision for Ethiopia’s industrial transformation through a rigorous policy and strategic development plan. Noting the need for enhancing the manufacturing industry, including through investment and innovation.

The Director-General thanked the Minister for his participation and support to the Organization. He congratulated the Minister for his vision and holistic approach to the transformation of the agrifood system in Ethiopia. He also noted that the FAO Green Cities Initiative, which is linked to the country’s Green Legacy Initiative and agro-industrial parks, will play a key role in transforming the agriculture sector.

The two further exchanged views on the importance of urbanization and digitalization, and on the collective will to further strengthen the partnership between FAO and Ethiopia.