Sri Lanka is keen to expand bilateral trade and investment cooperation with Ethiopia, Ambassador K.K Theshantha Kumarasiri said.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, the ambassador said there are many Sri Lankan business entrepreneurs interested in investing and doing trade with Ethiopia.

Ambassador Kumarasiri stated that Sri Lanka has recently proposed for the first time to sign a MoU with the Addis Chamber and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

‘It is a business interaction that we are going to sign by which we expect to establish a kind of institutional framework where entrepreneurs could utilize that potential so that we expand the trade,’ he explained.

According to him, there are potentials of enhancing trade interaction.

Moreover, the ambassador revealed that there is another MoU, particularly with the construction industry, adding bilateral trade and inter construction industry are also moving forward in a positive direction.

He pointed out that President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka and Prime Minis
ter Abiy Ahmed had bilateral meeting in Kampala during the Non-Alignment Summit where they discussed the potential for future cooperation, particularly on the green economy, low economic initiatives, climate change action and also initiatives like agriculture, energy and potential areas of cooperation.

‘We are very much interested in expanding our relations,’ the ambassador said, disclosing that President Wickremesinghe has introduced a new initiative called Look Africa in February last year with the participation of ambassadors of foreign countries accredited to Sri Lanka.

The president initiated this foreign policy initiative to engage more with African countries, particularly in areas of agriculture, energy, green economy and also financial institutions as we always depend on external sources of financing for industries.

Under the South-South cooperation, his government is also promoting cooperation with the South countries particularly on addressing common issues related to climate, education and gove
rnance.

With regard to investment in Ethiopia, the ambassador said there are 4 major Sri Lankan apparel manufacturing industries with the capital of over 15 million USD.

Ambassador Kumarasiri noted that the main attraction was of course AGOA. But without that duty free access now they were struggling to finding out new market access to Europe, UK, France and Germany.

‘Through the support of the Government of Ethiopia and other supportive measures by the Ethiopian institutions, however, all the companies expanded again their manufacturing capacity.’

There are also several Sri Lankans, almost 200 Sri Lankan expertise in Ethiopia in the apparel manufacturing industry, working in other companies, not only the Sri Lankan own company, but of course, companies belongs to India, Chinese and South Korean companies.

They are contributing to the economy and also enhance the capacity of young people employed in those industries, the ambassador elaborated.

Furthermore, ‘the Government of Sri Lanka has invited Ethiop
ian Airlines to commence a direct flight to Colombo, through which we expect actually to enhance our trade interaction and also investment and also tourism sector because Sri Lanka has almost 200 years of history of tourism industry and well established hospitality industries.’

We are again thinking of collaborating in the hospitality industry and have proposed to Ministry of Tourism here to sign a MoU with its Sri Lankan counterpart, the ambassador revealed.

In addition, several companies have approached us to build a kind of connection between Ethiopia and Sri Lanka in the energy sector and nature-based cosmetic industry.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

The Principal Secretary for State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Esther Mworia has advised the youth to engage in practical knowledge and hands-on skills that are directly applicable to the job.

Mworia said TVET institutions were crucial because they major in offering practical skills and competence to the youths and stakeholders that enable them to become self-reliant and to create employment.

Mworia added that in today’s rapidly changing and fast-paced world, traditional education does not always equip an individual with skills that enable them to thrive in their careers.

‘These TVET programmes often collaborate with industries to ensure that graduates are ready for jobs and possess the ability demanded by the employers,’ said the PS.

The PS made the remarks in a speech read on her behalf by the Director of TVET in the Ministry of Education John Tuwei during the official opening of the 15th Higher Education Expo and Career Fair 2024 held at Kenyatta International Conf
erence Centre in Nairobi.

The Expo that will run from February 29 to March 1, 2024, creates a space where all youths could transition from TVET institutions to the job market.

The PS highlighted that the theme of 2024 is to educate, equip and empower which encapsulates the focus on future skills needed for the labour market in the 21st century.

Mworia said that the State Department for TVET is currently implementing competency-based education and training which focuses on 70 per cent industrial training and 30 per cent classroom training.

The PS said the 70 and 30 per cent models have an element of viewer training that ensures that trainees were mostly in industry, were gaining knowledge in classrooms and were also angled to give trainees absolute skills required in the industry.

Mworia noted that the traditional skills alone are no longer sufficient, adding that the advent of the 21st century has brought a new set of skills that are crucial for individuals to succeed in their chosen fields.

‘These fiel
ds are not confined to technical expertise but rather encompass a broader range which includes critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication and digital interest,’ she said.

The PS said the ability to adopt innovation is vital in this era for constant technological advancement as TVET focuses on gaining 21st-century skills.

‘TVET must also pay attention to mental health, as competitive nature and pressure to succeed can take a toll on an individual. Stress, anxiety and burnout are increasingly prevalent affecting trainees and professionals,’ she added.

PS Mworia encouraged education institutions and workplaces to create an environment that prioritizes mental health, promotes work-life balance and offers resources for managing stress and seeking help when needed.

She urged entrepreneurs to educate, equip and nurture Kenyan youth to thrive and drive in their careers.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer Kenya School of TVET Edwin Tarno said that the institution would ensure all
youths transit to TVET to acquire skills and create job opportunities after completion.

He singled out Data Analyst, Artificial Intelligence, Data Scientists and Analysts, Remote and Hybrid work specialist, E-commerce and digital marketing professionals, software developers, Cyber Security, Renewable energy technicians, Environmental Science, Logistic and Supply Chain Manager are some of the jobs which will be in demand by 2025 and urged the youth to pursue them.

Source: Kenya News Agency