Ethiopia’s livestock, meat and leather exporters met with government officials at the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce last week to discuss the industry’s export prospects. Hides and skins traders reported an 18% increase to Birr260 million ($31.5 million) between July and September, 2002. By comparison, exports of livestock and meat totalled Birr1.3 million and Birr9.4 million respectively.

The meeting was the first in a series and forms part of a Government initiative to develop the country’s public private partnership. The programme is being facilitated by the Livestock Marketing Authority and will be held every two months.

Belachew Hurrissa, Head of Market Research and Promotion at the Ethiopian Livestock Marketing Authority said the forums will try and tackle issues such as the sector’s lack of investment capital, the shortage of raw materials, its lack of skilled manpower and documentation and implementation problems.

The forum comprises the National Bank of Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Customs Authority, the Export Promotion Agency, the Development Bank of Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Investment Authority and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

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