Favorable conditions are being created to make the industrial sector take a leading role in the country’s economy, Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn said.
Speaking at the laying of cornerstone for the construction of an industrial park in Hawassa city today, the Prime Minister said the government is focused in making farmers and pastoralists benefit from their products by undertaking improved agricultural-based development in the country.
The current growth level of the country would enable to create a favorable condition for the laying of foundation for the steady transfer of the nation to industrial development, he said.
Industrial Parks Development Corporation Board Chairperson, Arkebe Equbay, said on his part that Hawassa is one of the places selected for the development of industrial parks at federal level.
The reason for the selection of Hawassa is the close to five million population of the city within a periphery of 50-70 kilometers and close to three million labor force.
The various institutions around the city, including Hawassa University, would also provide training for human resources that could be employed by the factories, he added.
The construction of the first phase of the park on 250,000 hectares of land would be finalized by December 2015, he indicated.
According to the chairperson, the economic structure of the country will be changed in the coming 10 years and the manufacturing sector would play a key role by employing 1.5 million persons in medium and large industries which would be a big jump from the current employment of more than 35,000 employees in the industry.
SNNPR Chief Administrator Desse Dalke said on his part the construction of the industrial park will play a crucial role in making Hawassa a center for industrial development.
He also expressed the readiness of the regional state to provide land, infrastructure and the other necessary things for the construction of the industrial park.
[ENA]
