Government to provide incentives for exporters of live animals
Addis Ababa, March 3, 2006
(WIC) - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Adisssu Legesse, said the government would provide various incentives and supports for investors which export live animals.Speaking at a discussion held in Adama town after his visit to animal fattening centers in East Shoa zone,the Deputy Prime Minister stated that the government would support investors engaged legally in the animal development sector and crack down on those who export animals without acquiring quality assurance certificates.
The country is not deriving sufficient benefits from the sector though it is among the leading countries in livestock resources in Africa,he said, adding that encouraging results are yet being registered recently in export of live animals meeting international standards.The Deputy Prime Minister urged businessmen to cosolidate on the gains.
Commenting on the few animals he saw fattened in accordance with standards at the fattening centers, Addisu said the ministry would design directives and methods that would enable the investors to carry out fattening that meet quality and standard.
Addisu further noted that the government would also put in place integrated system that would ensure animal health and benefits to be driven from the sector.
Entrepreneurs engaged in the sector said on their part that levying of tax at different places and delay in obtaining loan as well as shortage of land are among the problems they encountered during fattening and exporting processes.
Responding to their grievances, the Deputy Prime Minister said corrective measures would be taken on taxation and provisions of loans.
Chief Administrator of the Oromia State, Abadula Gemeda, said on his part that the state would expeditiously provide plots of land for those who come up with properly designed projects.
He said a discussion involving executives and professionals from pertinent government offices would be organized in the near future to help solve problems related to land in a sustainable manner.
