MEKI- The establishment of rural transition centers including Meki Rural Transition Center would play a unique role to integrate Ethiopia’s agricultural potential with available markets, the Oromia Industrial Parks Development Commission (OIPDC) said.
A team of journalists paid a visit to Meki Rural Transition Center, which is an affiliate of the Bulbula Integrated Agro-Industrial Park (BulbulaIAIP) on Thursday. Both facilities have been run by OIPDC.
Speaking at the occasion, OIPDC CEO Sanait Mebre stated that the center is capable of modernizing agriculture and bringing products to the market while maintaining their quality. The center builds a system that provides equal benefits to all parties involved and it is of great importance to proper utilization of Ethiopia’s agricultural potential.
The center would also help with the transition of agricultural production to industry, particularly with regard to raising production and improving agricultural efficiency and the quality of products. Similarly, the facility would play a due role to increase the value of the farmer’s produce in the industry, and facilitate import substitution and foreign exchange earnings, she stated.
Center’s CEO Mengistu Tadesse said for his part that the facility is ready to implement integrated initiatives for the rural communities and help them to store, sort and grade industrial inputs. It also promotes inclusive rural development and serves as backward linkage to the IAIP in terms of raw material sourcing and supplying.
During the occasion, the Oromia Industrial Park and Oromia Tourism Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bring together the investment and tourism sectors.
According to Oromia Tourism Commissioner Lelise Dhuga, agriculture is one sector of tourism that her commission is working to promote and develop. “It is possible to attract a large number of tourists through effective promotion of diverse culinary traditions,” she remarked.
BY ESSEYE MENGISTE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER 2023
