Gov’t Pledges Support for Efficiency of Private Sector: PM

Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said that his government will support the private sector to improve its efficiency and productivity.

 During the 3rd national government-private sector consultation forum held on Saturday, the Premier said the government will contribute share for the development of the sector.

 During the forum the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA) raised challenges that the sector is facing.

 

Access to finance, gaps in organizational structure, corruption and unfair practices are among the challenges that test the effectiveness of the private sector, according to ECCSA President Solomon Afework.

These challenges are not only stunting the sector but also prohibiting investors from engaging in the manufacturing sector by limiting their capability, he added.

Noting that some of the major challenge that were testing the effectiveness of the sector have already addressed, the President stressed on the need for the government to work enhance the role of the private sector in the economy.

Listening to the queries of the Association, the Premier said the government will consider the issues raised by the Association including revising the organizational structure.

He pledged to revise the organizational structure to enable the private sector more efficient and productive.

He also urged the sector to assist the government in its efforts towards ensuring accountability and the fight against corruption.

The support of the private sector will also enable the government‘s efforts in ensuring fair trade system.

The government is working to modernize the tax system to enhance the tax collection capacity of the country, he indicated.

Tax collection in Ethiopia is low compared to Sub-Saharan countries with 12.5 percent share to the GDP.

Established seven years ago, the Government-Private Sector consultation forum has been held for over 18 times.