Ethio-Japan Partnership Seminar Proceeding - CRDA Ethiopia

Policy alignment to PASDEP (which was presented to the Ethiopian Governmentand approved for its alignment with PASDEP). Japan’s major objective ofassistance focuses on overcoming poverty through consolidation of food securityenhancing food productivity and food purchasing power of Ethiopian people andimproving food access through the market, which are believed to be thegateway for Ethiopia’s sustainable economic growth. Referring the abovementioned major objective he acknowledged the good weather and foodproduction for the past 3-4 years. It was also mentioned that the currentmarketing system of the country is not well organized that definitely will affectsustainable development.The following five priority sectors in Japan’s ODA’s to Ethiopia were alsodiscussed: Agriculture/rural development, Water resource, Socio-economicinfrastructure, Education and Health. All these were shared by Mr. Omoto asimportant to the achievement of the MDGs and Human Security. As long termdevelopment strategy two focus areas were mentioned in the presentation: a)non-agricultural income and urban industry (privet sector) - promotion oflarge industry to get international market, and b) conduct effect researchand analyses to help: Further development of economic infrastructures Utilization of natural resources Promotion of small and medium-sized enterpriseWith this Mr. Omoto concluded his presentation passing his appreciation for theattention given.The facilitator thanked Mr. Omoto for the very informative presentation andcalled upon the second presenter Mr. Masuda, the second secretary to theJapan Embassy.Mr Masuda briefly introduced himself and the lady who is in charge of smallgrants in Japanese embassy.4