Latest news with #MinistryofIndustry


The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Ethiopia saves 3.1 bln USD through import substitution in 9 months
ADDIS ABABA, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia has saved more than 3.1 billion U.S. dollars by substituting imported products with locally produced commodities in nine months, according to the country's Ministry of Industry. Ethiopian State Minister of Industry Tarekegn Bululta said that amid recent improvements in the country's manufacturing sector, its domestic market share has increased from 30 percent to 44 percent over the past few years, saving the country much-needed foreign currency that would have been spent on imports, the state-run Ethiopian News Agency reported Wednesday. The state minister said this "significant achievement" has enabled the substitution of 3.1 billion dollars' worth of imported goods with domestically produced alternatives during the first nine months of the current fiscal year, which began on July 8, 2024. Emphasizing the sector's strategic importance in achieving sustainable, competitive and resilient economic growth, he said the recent progress is the result of coordinated efforts aimed at addressing systemic issues. Bululta, in particular, highlighted notable improvements in manufacturing industries such as textiles, steel, food, and beverages. Meanwhile, he underscored the manufacturing sector's role in job creation, contributing some 235,000 jobs. He said that amid the sector's positive prospects, manufacturing industries are expected to create up to 800,000 jobs in the near future. Ethiopia, under its 10-year development plan from 2021 to 2030, aims to increase the production of various domestically made commodities, including cement, sugar, textiles, vehicles and heavy-duty trucks, to reduce the volume of imported goods.


African Manager
19-05-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Energy Transition in Tunisia and Mediterranean Partnership
Energy transition is a crucial challenge for Tunisia. By diversifying its energy sources and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the country can enhance its energy security, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and create new jobs. The direction is clear, and the ambition is set: Tunisia aims to green its energy mix by focusing on renewable sources. The goal is ambitious—reaching 30% renewable energy by 2030, equivalent to a production capacity of 4,800 megawatts (MW). However, the reality on the ground is far from ideal. Strengthening Mediterranean partnerships for a successful transition The success of Tunisia's energy transition depends on reinforcing Mediterranean partnerships in this field, stated the Secretary of State for Energy Transition in Sorrento, Italy. Tunisia is ready to play its role in this domain and share its expertise to build a sustainable energy future while ensuring energy supply at both national and regional levels, he said during the International Forum 'Towards the South' held on May 16-17 in the Italian city, according to the Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mines. The official outlined the key pillars of Tunisia's 2035 Energy Strategy and the reforms undertaken by the ministry to diversify the energy mix. He emphasized the importance of deeper regional integration to address energy market instability and support industrial development. Spotlight on the ELMED Project The Secretary of State also held discussions highlighting the ELMED project, a future Tunisia-Italy electrical interconnection, set to become the first high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link between Europe and Africa. This project is backed by the European Union, described as Tunisia's 'strategic partner' in the energy sector. On the sidelines of the forum, the official met with Algerian Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab, accompanied by the CEOs of Sonatrach and Sonelgaz, to discuss the development of a tripartite electrical interconnection between Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya. Additionally, he held talks with Nicola Monti, CEO of Italian energy group Edison, on cooperation in energy innovation. Funding for Municipal Energy Efficiency Projects The National Agency for Energy Conservation (ANME) has launched a second call for applications to finance municipal energy efficiency projects, with the deadline approaching soon. Selected municipalities will be eligible to request loans from the Local Authorities Support and Loan Fund (CPSL). This initiative is part of the ACTE Program, led by ANME in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, CPSL, and the Training and Decentralization Support Center. The call aims to encourage Tunisian municipalities to develop innovative green projects in three key areas: Energy efficiency, optimizing energy use in municipal buildings, vehicle fleets, and public lighting networks, renewable energy, primarily self-consumption projects to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and territorial studies, improving municipal energy performance, including urban mobility studies. The ACTE Program continues to drive local energy transition, building on a first call in 2020 that selected 11 projects, now underway. These projects, worth 2.7 million dinars, received a grant exceeding 837,000 dinars from the Energy Transition Fund (FTE). Eligible municipalities (under Decree No. 2014-3505 of September 30, 2014) can apply for this mechanism. While municipalities must provide self-financing, they can also secure CPSL loans. FTE grants cover 20% to 70% of total project costs, with ceilings ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 dinars (…).


Business Recorder
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan, Russia agree to establish new steel mills in Karachi
ISLAMABAD: In a bid to boost-up bilateral relations Russia and Pakistan have agreed to establish a new steel mill in Karachi. The development came here during a follow up meeting between Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan and a Russian delegation led by Denis Nazaroof, a visiting representative of Russia. The Russian official assured Pakistan of his country's commitment to build a steel mill in Karachi, also inviting Pakistan to participate in an exhibition being organized by the Russian Ministry of Industry in Moscow. The Russian delegation informed the SAPM that a meeting on the same subject was held in September 2024, between Russia's Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Aleksei Gruzdev with than Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain. At that time both the parties agreed to constitute a working group to move forward on a proposal of establishing a new steel mill in Karachi. New steel mills in Karachi: Pakistan, Russia agree to constitute working group The primary focus of the discussion was the establishment of new steel mills in Pakistan and both parties engaged in extensive talks on the potential collaboration between Pakistan and Russia in setting up a new steel mill in Karachi. The two countries agreed to form a joint working group to facilitate the development and implementation of this initiative. Akhtar Khan emphasised the prime minister's vision to increase investments in Pakistan. He highlighted that this is an opportune time for foreign investors to invest in the country, noting that Pakistan has evolved as a strong and safe destination for international investment and business. Furthermore, Khan underscored the potential for a remarkable collaboration between Pakistan and Russia in the steel industry, which could prove beneficial for both nations. 'Pakistan is a secure and thriving hub for investment, and the international community has recognised its potential,' said Khan. He also extended an invitation to all Russian businesspeople to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan. The meeting also marked an important step in further strengthening the ties between the two nations and opening new avenues for joint ventures in key sectors such as steel production. Pakistan has informed the Russian official that the government of Pakistan has earmarked 700 acres land of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) for establishing a new steel mill. He said despite being blessed with considerable reserves of iron ore with an estimated reserves of 1.887 billion tons, Pakistan is forced to import around $2.7 billion of iron and steel annually. There is a perpetual gap between domestic production and demand of iron and steel. For the last year, the gap is estimated at 3.1 million tons, Hussain added. Pakistan's per capita steel consumption level is below even those of developing countries indicating significant growth potential over medium and long term. He said efficiency of Pakistan's steel industry is limited as it is segmented (600 small units) and based on old inefficient technology. The proposed site is located at Karachi and is close to Port Qasim that reduces cost of transportation of raw materials. Pakistan's industrial and agricultural experts are set to visit Russia, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. According to a recent report of the Ministry of Industries and Production submitted to the National Assembly, Pakistan has not yet entered into formal discussions about restoring PSM. However, following a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Russian officials on April 4, 2024, where Russia offered assistance for PSM, Pakistan is also considering establishing a new steel mill. The report highlighted that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in 2003 between Pakistan and Russia aimed to revive and expand PSM, leading to an agreement with Tyazhprom export Russia. This company helps foreign countries with the design, construction, and modernisation of metallurgical plants and related enterprises. Another MoU in 2013 involved a request for a $1 million credit facility from Russia. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Time of India
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Anita Anand Education: Check out the academic background of Canada's new Foreign Minister
Credit: X Anita Anand is once again making headlines — this time as Canada's newly appointed foreign minister in Prime Minister Mark Carney's freshly reshuffled cabinet. She replaces Mélanie Joly, who has been moved to the Ministry of Industry, in what is seen as a strategic move by Carney to mark a new chapter in the Liberal government following his recent electoral win. — AnitaAnandMP (@AnitaAnandMP) Anita Anand is no stranger to big responsibilities. Since becoming a Member of Parliament in 2019, she's taken on some of the toughest jobs in government — and earned respect along the way. Born on May 20, 1967, in Kentville, Nova Scotia, Anand is the daughter of Indian immigrants. Her father is Tamil, and her mother is Punjabi. Both were medical professionals who moved to Canada in the 1960s to build a better life. Anand represents the Oakville riding in Ontario and has held several important roles in government. She first led Canada's efforts to buy vaccines and protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Later, she became Minister of Defence, where she helped modernize the military and provided support to Ukraine during the war with Russia. In 2023, she moved to the Treasury Board, and a year later, she took on a new role overseeing transport and internal trade. Now, as foreign minister, she'll play a key role in shaping Canada's relationships with other countries during a challenging time for global politics. Anand is also seen as a rising star in the Liberal Party. Her name often comes up in discussions about future party leadership. Educational qualification of Anita Anand Anand's path to politics began with a love for learning. She started her studies at Queen's University, where she earned a degree in Political Studies and graduated with a gold medal in 1989. After that, she went to Oxford University in England and earned a law degree in Jurisprudence from Wadham College. She then returned to Canada to continue studying law, earning degrees from Dalhousie University and the University of Toronto. With such a strong academic background, Anand became a respected law professor, teaching at top schools including Yale University and the University of Toronto. Before stepping into politics, she built a successful career studying corporate law and financial regulation — skills that later helped her manage complex government roles. Now, as foreign minister, Anand brings her experience, intelligence, and calm leadership style to one of the most important jobs in Canada.


Jordan News
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Jordan News
Consumer Complaints Down 13% in First Third of the Year - Jordan News
The number of consumer complaints received by the Consumer Protection Directorate at the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply decreased by 13% during the first third of this year compared to the same period last year, according to figures released by the Ministry. اضافة اعلان Statistics show that the Directorate received a total of 315 complaints during the first third of 2025, compared to 360 complaints during the same period in 2024. Consumer complaints were primarily related to after-sales services, accounting for 157 complaints — nearly 49% of the total. This was followed by complaints about defective goods, which reached 90 complaints or about 29%. As for the top three sectors with the most complaints: First: Services sector with 97 complaints Second: Electrical appliances sector with 82 complaints Third: Automotive sector with 56 complaints Ministry spokesperson Yanal Barmawi stated that the decline in consumer complaints is largely due to awareness campaigns launched by the Ministry to educate citizens on the Consumer Protection Law, issued a few years ago to strengthen market oversight and consumer protection. Barmawi explained in a press statement that the Ministry has closed 209 complaints — 66% of all complaints received since the beginning of the year. Additionally, 24 warnings and 9 violations were issued. He added that the Ministry handles complaints based on applicable legislative provisions, including: Consumer Protection Law No. 7 of 2017 Industry and Trade Law Competition Law Ministerial Decision No. 99 on mandatory vehicle warranties. Barmawi noted that the Ministry receives complaints through various communication channels and works to resolve them in a way that satisfies consumers without harming the rights of providers, in coordination with relevant parties. 'If non-compliant providers fail to resolve the complaints, a formal notice is issued requiring them to rectify the issue within a specified period. If the issue is not resolved, a violation report is filed against them,' he said. The Ministry, through its Consumer Protection Directorate, also monitors markets and misleading advertisements by reviewing suppliers' websites and ensuring they comply with their published advertisements. It follows up on any reports of misleading ads and works to correct violations. Additionally, joint inspection campaigns are conducted with related authorities to oversee commercial establishments and providers. Barmawi also emphasized the Ministry's role in public awareness, which includes launching campaigns and awareness activities in collaboration with relevant entities. Among the key consumer tips are: obtaining a detailed purchase invoice and clear warranty terms, testing and inspecting items before buying (regardless of their type), and requesting the supplier's contact information when possible. Consumers can file complaints through the 'Bekhedmtkom' platform, the Ministry's official website, its Facebook page, or via WhatsApp at 0797527819. It's worth noting that Article (3) of Consumer Protection Law No. 7 of 2017 outlines the rights of consumers, including access to goods and services that meet their intended purpose without harming their interests or health, and access to complete and accurate information about the product or service and its sale conditions. The core tasks of the Consumer Protection Directorate include receiving and verifying complaints from consumers or consumer protection associations, monitoring misleading advertisements, and taking necessary action to address violations.