Asmara — Employees of Keih Bahri Tannery said that it has created considerable job opportunities following the introduction of new product lines in the wake of its privatization. Accordingly, the factory is engaged in the production of plastic shoe varieties, running shoes and synthetic sacks, besides its usual activity.

Among the workers, Ms. Si'ela Abraha and Mr. Tekeste Asmelash indicated that the factory has been making substantial investment in the introduction of new technology and human resource development over the past 12 years. Similarly, Mr. Tsegai Kahsai expressed conviction that its success is an outcome of innovativeness and the prevailing favorable environment to this end. He also said that it is sending products to markets inside the country and abroad.

Mr. Giorgio Abraham, the factory manager, pointed out that the number of its staff has grown from 86 to 250 as of 2001, and disclosed that it would shortly recruit 100 new employees. "Especially our leather products secure higher demand in the markets in Asia and Europe, and the fact that we have begun reprocessing synthetic sacks is of vital importance as regards environmental conservation," he elaborated.