Niamey — Niger President Mahamdou Issoufou on Tuesday morning inaugurated the Niamey General Referral Hospital which was a donation from China.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by China’s ambassador to Niger Shi Hu, as well as the head of Niger’s Parliament Ousseini Tini, heads of public institutions, ministers, members of parliament and representatives of diplomatic corps in Niamey.

Issoufou said the facility with capacity of 500 beds is the largest and most modern referral hospital in West Africa.

The hospital whose construction cost 40 billion CFA Francs (over 68 million U.S. dollars), was built on a 16 hectares piece of land in northern Niamey, for the benefit of Nigeriens and people from neighbouring countries.

The hospital will be able to provide all services, including emergency, cardiology, 16 operation rooms, laboratory, blood bank, imaging and hospitalization.

It will equally serve as a medical training center and will provide both in-patient and out-patient services.

Niger’s Public Health Minister Kalla Moutari said the treatment costs at the hospital will be subsidized. This is expected to reduce the annual medical cost for Niger which spends over 5 billion CFA Francs to evacuate patients to foreign countries.

At the moment, Sino-Niger cooperation covers a wide range of sectors, from politics, economics, energy, culture, security and infrastructure.

Other projects funded by China include General Seyni Kountche stadium, various roads, the second bridge on river Niger, the water project in Zinder as well as schools and training equipment in the health sector.

The Pipelines and Product Marketing Company, PPMC, earned N957 billion from the sales of petroleum products in 12 months, between July 2015 and June 2015, according to data obtained from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

The NNPC, in its Monthly Operations and Financial Reports for June 2016, disclosed that the amount was earned from the sales of white products, comprising Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol; Automotive Gasoline Oil, AGO, and Dual Purpose Kerosene, DPK.

PMS sales accounted for 89.19 per cent of PPMC’s total revenue, with N854.2 billion, while revenue from AGO and DPK sales stood at N41.2 billion and N62.376 billion respectively.

In particular, the report stated that the PPMC sold 10.74 billion litres of white products between July 2015 and June 2016, with PMS accounting for 88.79 per cent of total sales with 9.54 billion, while AGO and DPK sales were put at 403.906 million litres and 800.308 million litres respectively.

For the month of June, the NNPC report noted, “A total of 860.46 million litres of white product was distributed and sold by PPMC in the month of June 2016 compared with 1.256 billion litres in the month of May 2016. This comprised 761.04 million litres of PMS, 66.31 million litres of kerosene and 33.11 million litres of diesel.

“A total value of N101.96 billion was collected as sales revenue for white products sold by PPMC in the month of June 2016 compared with N115.66 billion collected in the previous month of May 2016.”

Giving a breakdown of total white products sales for the period under review, the report stated that in the months of July, August, September, October, November and December 2015, the PPMC earned N48.756 billion, N46.288 billion, N44.236 billion, N38.67 billion, N52.853 billion and N66.958 billion respectively.

On the other hand, the PPMC earned N80.338 billion, N85.23 billion, N85.66 billion, N79.503 billion, N115.66 billion and N101.96 billion from the sale of white products in January, February, March, April, May and June 2016 respectively.

Consequently, the report noted that the PPMC posted a deficit of N3.668 billion in its operations for the first six months of 2016, after recording revenue of N555.078 billion and expenses of N558.745 billion.

Commenting on factors responsible for the unimpressive financial performance of the PPMC, the report said, “Incessant vandalism and products theft have continued to destroy value and put NNPC at disadvantaged competitive position.

“Reduction in vandalism will indeed unlock several industry upsides which include improved upstream oil production due to reduced pipeline disruptions, improved refinery utilisation due to increased crude oil feed from restored pipelines, and reduction of crude/product losses.

“A total of 3,120 vandalised points have been recorded from July 2015 to June 2016. Therefore, crude and products losses have continued to cost NNPC and the nation huge amount of money.”

Conversely, the PPMC earned N5.853 billion, from July 2015 to June 2016, from the sales of special products, comprising Low Pour Fuel Oil, LPFO, among others.

Specifically, the PPMC earned N3.812 billion from the sale of LPFO, while it earned N2.041 billion from the sales of other special products.

The Naira on Monday depreciated against the dollar at the parallel market, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports.

The Nigerian currency lost N3 to exchange at N393, from N390 posted on Friday; while it traded at N505 and N435 against the Pound Sterling and the Euro respectively . At the Bureau De Change (BDC) segment of the market, the naira closed at N385, N505 and N420 against the dollar, Pound Sterling and the Euro, respectively.

The naira appreciated at the official interbank market to close at N317.34, from N320.25 posted on Friday.

Traders at the market said that the demand for the greenback was still on the high side.

NAN reports that the market was eagerly awaiting the sale of forex by banks to BDCs during the week.

Among the country’s foreign currency sources, the textile and apparel industry is expected to generate one billion USD by the end of GTP-II. Hence, the Ethiopian Textile Industry Development Institute (ETIDI) has the responsibility in discharging nation’s development mission by ensuring the sector’s sustainable development through capacity building, knowledge transfer and innovative approaches.

In order to intensify the journey to industrialization, the government has undertaken a range of various activities in the manufacturing sector, like facilitating working atmospheres and transforming micro and small enterprises into medium ones and creating market chains. Customer satisfaction has been considered to be more dependable upon the present reality of Ethiopian textile and apparel industry. The textile market has become highly competitive. The final product cost is determined by the various components of entire supply chain.

On a recent Process Optimization in Textile Processing Seminar, from the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) of Mumbai Prof. Rv Adivarekar said that textile sector is probably the world’s largest industry. The customer demands consistent quality of the product. Determining targets for maintaining and achieving best possible outcome at each stage of textile processing ultimately helps ensuring delivery of product with optimum performance.

ICT Resident Staff and Team Leader at ETIDI Dr. Kedar Kulkami said that optimization of concentration of auxiliaries and basic chemicals is used for processing. The concentration of various basic chemicals as well as auxiliaries used in actual process is not standardized. The testing of these is not done in laboratory and the actual concentration used in the process is not optimized accordingly.

“The effect of variation in quality of chemicals should be minimized by optimizing their concentration is actual recipe. Our intervention has been helpful in overcoming some of their problems and thus trouble shooting was exercised.” he added.

Dr. Ashook Athalye from G.M. Technical Service, Atui Ltd, Gujarat, India in his presentation entitled “Role of compatibility in product optimization” said that the harmoniousness co-existence and synergistic effect is achieved by determining and ensuring the use of compatibly products and processes. It involves adequate use of substrates and their blend proportions, operating machine designs and their installations, processing sequence, colorant usage and combinations, chemical compositions and stability. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve best possible results and to deliver superior textile and material to the user, he added.

The true measure of the successful performance of the textile processing is the percentage of right first time as well as right every time production and the best levels can be consistently obtained by significantly optimizing the process of operations. The process of wide variety of fibers necessitates adequate dyestuff’s selection from diverse classes of colorants , he said.

The textile and apparel sub-sector is among the priority sub-sectors identified by the government in transforming the country’s traditional agricultural based economy to industrialization. It has been one of Ethiopia’s traditional domestic business mainly relied on traditional based and home grown old age spinning drop wheel and hand loom up to the modern textile and garment integrated mill was established in 1939 in Dire Dawa by the name of Dire Dawa Textile Factory.

Currently, Ethiopian textiles and apparel industry encompasses spinning, weaving, finishing of textiles, manufacture of cordage, rope, twine, netting, knitting mills, and manufacturing of wearing apparel. The firms in the industry produce products such as cotton and woolen fabrics, nylon fabrics, acrylic and cotton yarn, blanket, bed sheet, shirts, carpets, gunny bags, wearing apparels and sewing thread.

Moreover, the ongoing second Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP II) of Ethiopia, and its industrial development strategy are all centered agricultural-based, manufacturing sector-driven and export-led development. The GTP pursued the growth through the export-driven industrialization strategy focusing on labour and capital intensive manufacturing industries, export-oriented and import substituting industries.

The key strategic directions are small and medium scale industrial development; and large scale industries with special emphasis all geared to poverty alienation and development. The manufacturing industries that have given due attention are agro- processing industries, textile and clothing, food and beverage industries, tannery and leather goods, pharmaceutical industries, chemicals and chemical products industries, paper and paper products, plastic industries, building materials, glass and glass products, metal and metal engineering among others.

he successful achievements Ethiopia scored in different sectors by accomplishing the objectives of the first Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP-I) enabled it to proceed to the second one for further successes. Even though a year has been elapsed since the country began implementing the objectives of the GTP-II, considerable fruits that lead to the intended goal have been demonstrated. This period is considered to be the duration in which the transition from agriculture to industry has laid its proper foundation. And several activities in the industrial sector have been carried out in this first year. Thus, it is appropriate to ask: What has been accomplished so far? What are the success or failures in this first year? In order to get answers for these questions, we conducted interview with Communication Director at Ministry of Industry Melaku Taye. Here is excerpts:

How do you evaluate the first year’s performances of the second Growth and Transformation Plan?

Melaku: The plan does not only focus on economic growth but also it involves the entire transformation of the nation. In realizing this transformation, the manufacturing sector takes a lion’s share. At the outset of the year, we set some goals that support the expansion of the manufacturing sector. Since the sector competes with the international markets, we need to increase the production and productivity of the sector to the extent it can meet the international demand. Accordingly, the leather and leather products, agro-processing, metal and metal products, chemical and the like have got high attention. In connection to the expansion of the light industry, we have decided to lay lasting foundation for the heavy one in the second Growth and Transformation Plan.

Concerning the performances of the year, we have enjoyed some successes in certain sectors. For instance, in the export sector more than 57 percent of the plan has been accomplished. And there are beginnings to support the progress to transform from the light to heavy industries. The activities carried out so far in this regard played big role in laying the foundation for the transformation journey in realizing the industrialization.

At the beginning of the GTP-I, about five industries such as textile and garment, leather and leather products, foods and beverages, milk and meat, pharmaceutical as well as chemical industries were exporting their products in so random manner. In 2011, these sectors generated more than 270.9 million dollars.

On the other hand, the development of the electric and electronics as well as the pharmaceutical and medical apparatus sub-sectors is the indication of the expansion of the foundation of the industry sector. For instance, the pharmaceutical and medical apparatus sub-sector generated over 2.7 million dollars this year.

Was there any challenge you faced in the course of implementing the Plan?

Yes, since the sector is at the beginning stage, it has been accompanied with many challenges. Moreover, for the competition is with the international market, the challenges continue to prevail. Lack of well developed management and other technical skills could be the primary challenge. The instability of the global economy is the source of the other challenge. Lastly, though several industries are under construction these days in different parts of the country, most of them have not been completed as per their schedule.

What are the possible measures you took in order to solve these challenges?

Realizing the necessity of long lasting solutions for problems related to the lack of human power, we are working with universities. Through increasing and cultivating university-industry linkage, it is possible to produce well skilled human power that meets the demands of the industrial sector. Unlike the previous time, in order to meet the demands of the sector, we began training students at degree, Masters and PhD levels in textiles, leather, shoes and the like. In collaboration with Addis Ababa University, we have designed new curriculum for the post graduate programmes.

In this regard, we have achieved considerable success in the leather sub-sector and we are trying to expand the experience in the other sub-sectors. Moreover, the technical and vocational training centers are investing a great deal in capacity development in the different state of the country. We believe that these can solve constraints related to lack of human power.

The next measure we took is increasing our support, supervision and monitoring to accelerate the successful accomplishment of the ongoing projects. We have also been encouraging the local investors so that they can participate in the investment.

In different states of the country, the plan to construct about 17 integrated agro-industrial parks that can accommodate both local and international investors was designed. The construction of the industrial parks in the states helps the farmers to increase their production and productivity. Through using the international experiences, we have already planned to construct four model agro-industrial parks among others.

The construction of these industrial parks will be undertaking in Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, Southern Nations and Nationalities People States starting from the next month. One of the parks can create more than 400 thousand job opportunities for citizens. It has also the capacity to accommodate more than 400 investors. Thus, it is essential to establish all the necessary infrastructures that support the proper functioning of the parks.

The recently constructed industrial parks in Bole Lemi and Hawassa town have taken the attention of foreign investors; companies that have international brand have begun working at the parks since they have got conducive policies and circumstances to increase production and then easily export. The planned integrated agro-industrial parks on the other hand was designed to encourage the participation of the local investors. The necessary infrastructures will be built to support the purpose of the integrated agro-industrial parks.

The country is planning to construct the integrated agro-industrial parks in the four states. What are the immediate benefit they bring to the target society?

Though the parks have the capacity to accommodate hundreds of thousands of workers, considering the prevailing condition of our country, we give priority to the industries that use agricultural inputs as raw materials. Then we will focus on industries that create jobs opportunities for thousands of citizens. We have adequate human labour but limited capital. Thus, the parks are very relevant to the states in using the agricultural inputs and accommodating huge number of workers. The imminent construction of the 17 integrated agro-industrial parks will soon be realized.

Algiers — An industrial and trade partnership memorandum of understanding on the manufacturing of AugustaWesland helicopters in Ain Arnat (Setif) was signed Thursday, in Algiers, by the ministry of National Defence and the Italian group Leonardo-Finmeccanica (SPA-Italy) said the ministry in a communiqué.

The memorandum “is part of the implementation of the programme of economic relaunch, initiated by his Excellency the president of the Republic, Supreme chief of the armed forces, minister of National Defence, aimed at re-boosting the national industry and the interest granted by the High command of the People’s National Army to the development of military manufacturing to contribute to national development and strengthen its potentials,” said the source.

The parties to this agreement “agreed this year to create a joint Algerian-Italian company destined to the manufacturing of light and medium helicopters in the industrial site of Ain Arnat.”

“From the first years and following the construction of plants, the main objective of this company is to manufacture three types of light and medium helicopters for various use including the transport of personnel and cargo, medical evacuation, surveillance and control,” added the communiqué.

“From its launch, this company will benefit from a local and international distribution network and an after-sales service that includes all levels of reparations,” said the source.

Around the world, industrial parks have become significant vehicles for countries to provide competitive environments for industries to take off. Cognizant to this fact, the government of Ethiopia prioritized to the development of industrial parks to accelerate the economic transformation, promote and attract both domestic and foreign investors.

The Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC) has built about ten industrial parks, and continue establishing the rest in some sectors across the country. In 2016, IPDC have been developing additional parks in Makalle, Dire Dawa, Kombolcha, Jima and Adama. Each park would cover a size ranging from 500 to 2000 hectares.

In fact, various scholars argue on the significance of industrial parks to contribute to the growth of a country’s economy. With regard to its significance and pertinence, The Ethiopian Herald recently conducted exclusive interview with some industrial professionals from university, financial sector and manufacturing unit.

Dr. Atlaw Alemu from Department of Economics at AAU explained that as industrial parks are useful for processing exports, imports and managing duty free services, the system would simplify bureaucratic situations for manufacturers particularly for importing raw materials and exporting finished goods.

According to Dr. Atlaw, the most crucial use of industrial parks are increasing foreign direct investment, transferring technologies, creating linkages with international markets, and teaching locals on how to manage similar factories. To make use of these opportunities, he stressed that the infrastructures have to be fulfilled, particularly supplying energy and labour, developing work culture and reducing bureaucracy. In fact, many of the common facilities are particularly efficient if the firms are engaged in similar activities.

As foreign and domestic investors are continuing to work in close proximity, such closeness encourages not only co-operation but also fruitful sharing of technologies, special skills and ideas. Though most industrial parks tend to have a fairly heterogeneous mix of tenants, those engaged in similar activities can easily increase their production.

Clustering into industrial parks, small, medium and even large enterprises must take advantage of public infrastructures, and gain access to nearby skilled labour markets, research and educational facilities and other critical inputs. He, therefore, suggested that local enterprises need to enter into industrial parks based on their capacity, knowledge, and business plan.

Moreover, Dr. Atlaw commented that the government should also diversify complementary factories around industrial parks those producing metals, machines, spare parts, electrical products, other than specializing on same products.

In this sense, industrial parks also offer a valuable contribution to equitable and sustainable industrial development. They can also be considered as one of the most important factors supporting positive economic development bringing an integrated various functions into an industrial area with bulk of industrial production and services, as well as with high economy turnover and high employment.

Furthermore, Dr. Atlaw expressed that though the manufacturing sector contributes 5 per cent to GTP, the concern should be creating links with international buyers, and promote import substitutions. The interaction of international and domestic investors could create favourable conditions to facilitate purchasing, develop productive techniques.

The industrial parks have a range of common facilities such as recycling, waste collection, and effluent treatment, testing, standard quality control and heat treatment, refrigerated storage, even security services, recreation areas, health facility and post office.

The Hawassa Industrial Park (HIP) is a state of the art facility constructed at the cost of more than US 250 million dollar. It covers a land area of 1.3 million square meters, of which 300,000 metric square is factory shed built up area. It has additional area allocated for shared facilities such as dormitory and commercial buildings for the use of shopping centers, health clinics and banking services. Many industrial parks have also good rail and road transportation. When all factories in the park are fully operational, HIP will employ about 60,000 employees in two shifts.