Addis Ababa July 09/2016 A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between the Metals and Engineering Corporation of Ethiopia (METEC) and government of Somalia so as to build industrial capacity of the later.

The accord is part the commitment between the two countries to enhance bilateral ties and strengthen capacity of the Somali government in every aspect.

The agreement will enable Somalia construct manufacturing sites, rehabilitating industrial places which scratched by the over a decade-long civil war, and building its human capacity in the area.

The agreement also includes poverty reduction, job creation and strengthening peace and securities, among others.

Somalia’s Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke was in Addis Ababa last week discussing bilateral and issues of common interest with Ethiopia’s PM Hailemariam Desalegn.

Consolidating support for the government of Somalia to improve its military capacity so as to enable it safeguards its own peace and stability was top on the agenda.

As METEC has a huge potential in technological capacity and it leading role in Ethiopia’s industrial development, the agreement will help Somalia to rehabilitate its manufacturing industry, said Abdusalam, H.Omer Minister for Foreign Affairs and Investment Promotion.

Since Ethiopia is the best example in the areas of investment and industrial promotion in the region, the agreement would enable Somalia learn from Ethiopia’s best practices thereby build its capacity, he added.

The agreement will enhance the strong relationship between the two countries and pursue development, as they share the need for development, he said.

“We have a deep root in history, culture and have unbreakable people to people relationships. So we can build a better and sustainable future collectively between our two nations”, he said.

On his part Director General of METEC Major General Kenfe Dagnew said the agreement will play a vital role to reinforce the ties between the two countries particularly, in peace and stability.

“We don’t sign this agreement as business it is rather to strengthen the interest of the two nations. It is an agreement, a special commitment that will promote the relationship”, he stated.

In addition to leading industrial development in Ethiopia, METC is expanding its services in the east African region, currently working with Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya and Rwanda.

ENA