allAfrica.com: Eritrea: Cabinet of Ministers Concludes Meeting in Massawa (Page 1 of 2)

Before concluding its meeting in Massawa today, the Eritrean Cabinet of Ministers held extensive discussions on accomplishments in development endeavors over the last 9 months. It discussed sector by sector the work accomplishments of the different government institutions as part of the implementation process of programs drawn up for 2007.

In connection with efforts towards achieving food security, the meeting discussed progress made in the implementation of small, medium and large-scale agricultural development projects, as well as the situation of farm plots in different parts of the country. It noted that satisfactory rainfall distribution this year has opened promising prospects for a bumper harvest. It further conducted exchange of views on ways of combating locust swarms and other infestations and stressed the need for effective follow-up of programs mapped out to this end.

The meeting also reviewed the work programs charted for upgrading the development of the fisheries sector as part of the endeavors being made to achieve food security. The discussions included plans to improve traditional fishing methods, developing industrial fishing activities, and the realization of programs to develop active partnership in the marketing of fish products. The Ministerial Cabinet meeting also held deliberations on the future work programs to develop infrastructure and marketing facilities in the sector.

Also in the domain of work programs of the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment, the meeting assessed the accomplishments registered in land distribution and utilization programs, the draft program on water policy and studies made on the coordinated administration of water resources. Moreover, the Ministerial Cabinet session held discussions on the progress made in programs to ensure the equitable distribution of portable water supply in both urban and rural areas of the country. In this regard, the meeting expressed satisfaction over the encouraging achievements scored so far and recommended that more efforts be made to realize the set goals.

Regarding the tourism sector, the meeting of the Ministerial Cabinet reviewed the tasks accomplished and programs ahead in setting up service facilities in those parts of the country endowed with major tourist attractions. It made an in-depth assessment of the prospects for developing the nation's tourism potential and promoting skilled manpower resources for the sector, as well as familiarization programs on national tourist attractions as part of efforts to make optimal use of Eritrea's tourism potentials.

Similarly, the meeting assessed work accomplishments in the field of infrastructure development. It took note of the gratifying achievements registered in the expansion of road facilities, housing construction and the development of water resources, among others. The meeting further held discussions on studies undertaken and the surveys made, as well as control measures devised in connection with the implementation of future infrastructure development programs.

Regarding trade and industrial activities, as well as markets, the discussion conducted by the Ministerial Cabinet meeting focused on the initiatives taken to raise the productivity in increasing food production, reduce imports and boost export capacities, and develop agro-industries. It stressed the need to closely follow up programs to attain equitable commercial activities, especially towards meeting the basic needs of the public in basic commodities and services.

In the field of energy and mines, the Ministerial Cabinet held discussions on the efforts being made to ensure the provision of supply of energy, gas and electricity at the family and industrial level. It further took note of the endeavors being made to expand the supply of electricity in both urban and rural areas, as well as activities made to harness the nation's mining resources. The meeting also assessed work achievements in these domains. Besides, the meeting held extensive discussion on ways of ensuring the effectiveness of studies being undertaken towards price control mechanisms.

Regarding activities in land transportation, maritime, aviation and communication services, the meeting held in-depth deliberations on the plans mapped out in the domains of human resource development, strengthening telephone services, both with landline and mobile lines, as well as boosting postal and internet services. Furthermore, the meeting assessed the action plans drawn up in ensuring smooth and efficient transportation services in all corners of the country, adopting appropriate regulations in this sphere, controlling accidents, and putting in place the infrastructure required.

The Ministerial Cabinet also held discussions in the finance sector, particularly in the domains of budget administration, the work of the Customs Department, the collection of tax revenue, ensuring smooth finance services and thoroughly reviewed plans implemented. Accordingly, the meeting discussed the preparation of the budget for 2008, computerizing payrolls, revising the existing amount of duty and sales taxes, financial rules and regulations, changing the Customs Department's operational system and the progress registered in opening finance offices in all parts of the country.

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