UK Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Angela Rayner emphasized the importance of products being produced in an environmentally sustainable manner while upholding quality standards.
She made these remarks during a meeting with the CEO of the Ethiopian Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC), Feseha Yetgesu (PhD), at the Hawassa Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The CEO briefed the DPM on the corporation’s efforts to promote eco-friendly industrial park development, highlighting that the Special Economic Zones administered by IPDC are equipped with state-of-the-art Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) waste treatment facilities. These measures demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability.
The DPM also noted ongoing efforts to connect UK buyers with Ethiopian garment and apparel producers. She pointed out that the rising labor costs in Asia are making garment and apparel products more expensive, prompting buyers to explore alternative sourcing options. “This presents a significant opportunity for Ethiopian garment and apparel producers,” she remarked.
During her visit to the Hawassa SEZ, the DPM toured the production facilities of Silver Spark Apparel Ethiopia Plc, where she underscored the importance of engaging the Ethiopian diaspora in the UK. She suggested tapping into equity funds to strengthen Ethiopia’s burgeoning economic activities.
In response, Feseha Yetgesu reiterated that the DPM’s visit aligns with IPDC’s ongoing efforts to diversify investments. He committed to finding ways to engage the Ethiopian diaspora in the UK and encourage investment within the SEZs managed by the corporation.
The UK DPM held bilateral discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed. The Prime Minister expressed optimism that the DPM’s visit would strengthen the longstanding diplomatic relationship between the two countries, extending beyond political and diplomatic ties into more robust trade and economic cooperation.
Source: FMC
