Theshome Kebe, member of the board of directors of the Ethiopian Leather and Footwear Industry Association, announced he was very impressed with the quality of Brazilian machinery during his visit to Fimec 2005. He also said that the machines were easy to use which makes them suitable to help Ethiopia’s role in the industry develop.

Based on these assertions, a protocol of intention for technical cooperation has been signed between ABRAMEQ – Brazilian Association of Manufacturers of Machinery and Equipment for the Leather, Footwear and Allied Trades – and Ethiopia, so that the Brazilian machinery sector can contribute to the development of leather and shoe production in the country.

Leather is already an important product among Ethiopian exports but there is definitely room for growth, particularly since a large amount of interest has been shown in making investments in these sectors so that the products can become more competitive in the international marketplace through technological improvement.

According to Abrameq, Ethiopia could be interested in turn-key projects offered by Brazilian machinery manufacturers.