Modena-Parma, 9-10 May 2016 - Within the framework of the Road show organized by UNIDO ITPO Italy in order to present the opportunities in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Minister of Industry, HE Dr. Mebrahtu Meles, has participated to different meetings in the Italian Food Valley, among which the meeting in Modena with Confimi Industria – the Italian Confederation of Manufacturing Industries and Private Enterprises, which include more than 28.000 companies –  and in Parma with UPI (Union of Industrials from Parma). Furthermore, the Minister has participated to the World Food Research and Innovation Forum, held in Parma, a biennial international event which is intended to define shared strategies and effective initiatives for the future supply of food for the planet.

During the Road show, the Minister has launched the first International Agro-Industry Investment Forum in Ethiopia, co-organized by the Ethiopian government and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, that will take place in  Addis Abeba from October, 5th until October, 7th of 2016. During his visit, the Minister has also presented the Integrated Agro-industrial Park which represents a great opportunity for those willing to invest in this Country.

At the moment, Ethiopia represents one of the fastest growing economies in the African continent, thanks to the growing number of market liberalization and public investments in infrastructure projects. Within this context, the Forum and the Integrated Agro-Industrial Park will serve as main driver for the proposed goal of the Country to reach the middle-income status by 2025.