Trade ministers in Nairobi to discuss opportunities

African Ministers in charge of industries are meeting in Nairobi, Kenya to discuss challenges and look at opportunities that can be tapped into to transform the continent’s industrial sector.The four-day meeting that is organised under the theme: “Accelerating Industrialisation for Africa within the post-2015 development agenda,” is also aimed at providing a more growth focused approach and solid foundation for addressing Africa’s present and future development challenges.According to the Trade and Industry Minister, Francois Kanimba, the meeting would focus on outstanding issues hindering growth of the industrial sector on the continent.“The key message should be on how to solve challenges like international competition,” he said, further noting that the issue of industrialisation is a process that needs to be dealt with.“This requires different partners for proper and smooth industrial growth on the continent.” Other issues to be discussed are capacity-building and international cooperation for sustainable development; and the importance of regional integration and cooperation with regard to industrial development through formulation of necessary regional policies and action plans. The industrial sector in African is hampered by various challenges such as lack of enough technology, skilled labour to operate the machines and poor strategies among the countries.Dr Kandeh K.Yumkella the director general of United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) on Sunday said that it imperative for the African countries to embark on addressing issues such as productivity, value chain, enabling competitive environment, technology content, and infrastructure and support institutions in order to enhance competitiveness.

National

Trade ministers in Nairobi to discuss opportunities