Read-out of bilateral meeting between FAO Director-General QU Dongyu and Demitu Hambisa Bonsa, Permanent Representative of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to FAO

22 September 2021, Rome - The FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu today met with Demitu Hambisa Bonsa, Permanent Representative of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to FAO. 

The Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia expressed her appreciation for the support and key role FAO played in the Desert Locust control operations, and the overall close collaboration with FAO. She outlined the countries priorities in regards to key areas of cooperation moving forward noting the need for innovation, digitalization and capacity building to modernize the agri-food sector.The Ambassador also highlightedkey FAO initiatives which are strategic for Ethiopia including but not limited to:  Special Agro-Products: "One Country One Priority Product" (OCOP), the Food Coalition and agri-food systems transformation.

The Director-General thanked the Ambassador for the work carried out. He proceeded to underline the need for digitalization and innovation, as well as an enabling policy environment to attract investment and transform the agri-food systems, noting the huge potential in the country. The Director-General also shared with the Ambassador his views on the need for appropriate standards to expand exportation and in turn amplify the country’s agri-food capacities. He also underlined the need to have new varieties which are not labour intensive to develop production and allow for value addition.

The two sides agreed to a continued strong collaborative cooperation with the ensuing technical support from FAO to the Government.