Asmara, 3 September 2010 – (Shabait) – The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Estifanos Habte, participated in the 14th COMESA Summit that was held in Lozitha city, Swaziland, from August 31 to September 1.

In the summit conducted under the theme: “Harnessing Science and Technology for Development,” the COMESA member states reached understanding on the need to reinforce efforts and allocate enough budget in research and communication technology, set up joint science and technology parks, as well as utilize biotechnology in the agriculture sector and nano technology in the health sector.

The summit also assessed the developments registered in the tripartite-free-trade among the COMESA, the South Africa Development Community and the East African Community, besides giving work directives as regards the finalization of the process.

Taking note of the significance of the prevalence of peace and security in the COMESA region towards attaining development and facilitating the economic integration process, the summit held extensive discussion and adopted resolutions and recommendations.

Also in a meeting held earlier beginning from August 18, the unilateral governmental committee, the Ministers and Foreign Ministers Council reviewed the tasks accomplished last year, in addition to submitting the proposal of the action plan for next year to the COMESA member states summit for approval.

COMESA is a regional organization comprising 19 countries from Eastern, Southern and Northern Africa.

Minister of Energy and Mines

Asmara, 7 September 2009 – The Minister of Energy and Mines, Mr. Ahmed Haj Ali, stated that Eritrea has managed to become central gravity of mining companies thanks to the conducive ground created for mining and the prevailing peace and stability.

He made the remarks at the conference of mining investors that was held in the Australian city of Perth on September 3.

Mr. Ahmed gave extensive briefings on the objective mining situation in Eritrea and the speedy development being witnessed in the sector. He indicated that on top of the operating mining companies in Eritrea, 8 new companies have already been involved in the activities this year.

Pointing out that the Eritrean government has created favorable atmosphere through putting in place the necessary infrastructure facilities in a bid to encourage investors, the Minister explained that there exist effective and speedy mining permit in the country. As a result of such advantages, Eritrea has become central gravity of mining institutions, he added.

Also speaking at the conference, the director of the Chalice Gold Mining Company, Mr. Michael Griffiths, said that the prevailing peace and stability in Eritrea, coupled with a number of other advantages are among the main factors that encouraged the Chalice Company to engage in mining activities in Eritrea. He also expressed appreciation to Eritrea’s full support for the realization of the investment.

Over 200 companies from different parts of the world, more than 900 diplomats of various countries and owners of big capital participated in the conference.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ahmed Haj Ali held talks with the Australian Foreign Minister, Hon. Stephen Smith, on enhancing relations between the two countries. Source: (Shabait)