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From: Berhane Habtemariam (Berhane.Habtemariam@gmx.de)
Date: Wed Dec 15 2010 - 09:16:53 EST
Ministerial Cabinet meeting underway
http://www.shabait.com/images/stories/Pictures/cabinet1-dec14.jpgAsmara, 14
December 2010 - A meeting of the Eritrean Cabinet of Ministers got underway
today at the Denden Hall here in the capital.
In its first agenda, the meeting heard extensive briefings by President
Isaias Afwerki assessing political, economic, social and diplomatic
activities this year, as well as the envisaged national development programs
for 2011 and beyond.
In his briefings, the President pointed out that the biggest budget would
still be allocated for the task of achieving food security on priority basis
in the envisaged national development programs for 2011 and beyond. Noting
that crop harvest in 2010 was satisfactory, he underlined that the strategy
of enhancing national food reserve would be reinforced in the coming year.
To this end, expanding and strengthening rain-fed agricultural activities,
irrigation farming and leveling land plots, in addition to promoting
forestation, soil and water conservation, reserve land and animal husbandry
and wildlife would be among programs to be given due attention, President
Isaias elaborated. He went on to stress that developing domestic capacity in
harnessing marine resources is of vital significance. In this respect, the
President noted that parallel with the task of upgrading domestic fishing
and processing capacity, extensive programs are being launched towards
boosting export through working in partnership with foreign companies.
As regards the trade
andhttp://www.shabait.com/images/stories/Pictures/cabinet-2-dec14.jpg
industry sector, President Isaias said that plans have been charted to
reinforce trade and industrial ventures in 2011 through providing budgetary
support and loan opportunities. Agro-industrial establishments and building
materials producing plants would be given priority attention in this regard,
he underscored. Moreover, the President pointed out that there are plans to
develop port and bay facilities in 2011 and beyond, in addition to the
construction of airports in Dahlak Island and the western lowlands, coupled
with the expansion, renovation, and asphalting of strategic roads. Likewise,
study and drafting activities would be undertaken to develop old and new
railway
http://www.shabait.com/images/stories/Pictures/cabinet-3-dec14.jpgsystem on
the basis of internal resource and foreign companies. He further outlined
programs in the construction of water diversion schemes and agricultural
infrastructure in both the eastern and western lowlands, as well as the
central and southern highlands, the implementation of residential housing
projects in various towns and semi-urban centers, in addition to the putting
in place of health and educational institutions, storage devices and sports
facilities, among others. In this connection, President Isaias explained
that boosting the production of building materials, cement, iron and steel
materials is imperative. He noted that the Cement Factor expected to go
operational next year and the establishment of iron and steel plant in the
same year would provide major impetus to construction works.
Concerning the energy and mines sector, the President highlighted the
envisaged programs focusing on raising fuel and gas supply, expanding
electricity service in different parts of the country, as well as
exploration and mining activities in the year 2011 and beyond. Parallel with
the activities being carried out in partnership with foreign companies,
endeavors would be stepped up to develop internal capacity and enhancing
funding potentials, he underlined.
Furthermore, President Isaias noted the tasks that need to undertaken as
regards upgrading public transport service and expanding communications
facilities. On harnessing tourism potentials, he stressed the paramount
importance of developing domestic tourism and said that loan support would
be extended with a view to strengthening the capacity of service-rendering
institutions. Also in his briefings regarding land, water and environment,
the President indicated that efforts would continue to streamline land
utilization programs and that special attention would be given to the
formulation of the necessary rules and regulations pertaining to the
promotion of sound ecology.
In the domain of social services, he outlined the plans drawn up to further
upgrade the provision of reliable health service, besides raising the
production of medicaments. Similarly, concerted action would be taken to
strengthen the competence of teachers, develop laboratories, workshops and
information technology facilities at all levels of educational institutions,
in addition to making available sufficient textbooks, President Isaias
explained.
The President also elaborated on the role of the Ministry of National
Development in the streamlining of development programs, as well as future
work programs of the financial sector, administration of justice, labor and
social security, reinforcing defense capability, police and security
institutions, coupled with strengthening media and diplomatic activities, as
well as the restructuring of the Ministry of Local Government. He further
gave in-depth analysis as regards the prevailing political and security
developments at the regional and international level and their impact, as
well as future trends.
Following the President's extensive briefings, the Ministerial Cabinet
meeting conducted in-depth deliberations sector by sector regarding the
development programs for 2011.
The meeting continued in the evening hours.
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