Council refers bills to parliament, approves a policy
Addis Ababa, December 20, 2023 (FBC) – The Council of Ministers, in its 26th regular session held today, discussed and passed decisions on Manufacturing Industries Policy, Celebration of Public Holidays and Festivals as well as Non-Working Days, Land Expropriation and Displacement Compensation Payment, and Awards and Recognition System, the Office of the Prime Minister indicated.
The council first discussed on the proposed bill to amend the existing proclamation No. 1161/2011 in order to determine the conditions under which land expropriation, displacement compensation payment, and resettlement.
Next, the council discussed on the award and recognition system bill. Acknowledging citizens outstanding performers in various fields reflects that Ethiopia is indebted to them for their outstanding contribution to the country and motivates others to follow their example; and it is of great benefit to promote entrepreneurship and ensure comprehensive and sustainable prosperity. In that regard, this bill was prepared to enable the implementation of the award and recognition system stipulated in the constitution, and to establish a legal system for its implementation.
The council of ministers also discussed on the proposed bill to determine public holidays, non-working and public festivals. It is stated that since public holidays and festivals have high social and economic contribution to the moral and psychological development of citizen. It is necessary to give legal recognition and celebrate them at the national level. The religious, cultural and historical systems should also be preserved and celebrated. This bill, therefor, was prepared with the aim to promote good relations and mutual respect among citizens, it was indicated.
After discussing on three of the draft bills, the council unanimously decided to refer them to HoPR for approval with additional inputs.
Moreover, the council also discussed the draft policy of the manufacturing industries. It is stated that the proposed policy aims to enable the manufacturing sector play a greater role in accelerating the national economic growth and structural transition as well as to enhance foreign exchange earnings. Policy framework is fundamental to attract foreign direct investment, to enhance import substitution products and facilitate sustainable job creation, it is indicated. The draft policy was also prepared in order to increase and encourage the participation of private sector investment, to ensure the expansion of industries based on the principles of environment and natural resources protection, and to increase the manufacturing sector linkage with other sectors.
After extensive discussion, the council unanimously approved the manufacturing industries policy, to be effective from the date of its approval, the PM Office disclosed.