In its weekly statement on Friday, the Ministry said the pastoralists make a significant contribution to the country’s economic growth through exporting animals and animal products.

“Currently, efforts are underway to enable the country to become ever more competitive in the international market in the export of these products.At Present, the market system in the pastoralist areas is improving and has created a favorable environment for the people to sell their animals at fair and competitive prices. In addition to the favorable condition for investors to enter the market in large numbers, the pastoralists themselves are organized under associations and are now able to directly bring their animals to the market.”

“It is believed that the Ethiopian Pastoralists’ Day, an important event for all the people in the country, will create the opportunity for the pastoralists to reaffirm their commitment to strengthen the animal export market, which is growing at a significant rate.

The Tenth Ethiopian Pastoralists’ Day will be celebrated in the city of Adama for two days beginning January 26, 2008.

On this occasion, 126 developmental heroes from among the pastoralist communities will receive awards for their outstanding achievements and exemplary efforts, the ministry said.

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