The first agenda item relates to the bill providing for ratification of a loan agreement signed between Ethiopia and OPEC Fund for International Development for the implementation of Sawla-Key Afer rural electrification.

Through the project, 131 towns and rural localities along the area between Sawla and Key Afer in South Omo Zone of the South Ethiopia Peoples’ State will get electric power supply.

After having deliberated on the agreement package and recommendations, the council referred the bill to the House of Peoples’ Representatives for ratification, the Office of the Prime Minister told ENA on Friday.

The agreement, Council recognized, will have paramount significance for succeeding in ongoing efforts towards upgrading the lives of rural communities by helping speed up economic activities.

Council also deliberated on draft regulations providing 1. for the establishment of the Defense Construction and Engineering organization, 2. for the establishment of the Kaliti Construction and Materials Manufacturing and 3. for the establishment of the Nazareth Textiles factory.

It passed decision that all three draft regulations be published in Negarit Gazette and go into enforcement.

Lastly, Council deliberated on double taxation avoidance and evasion control agreement Ethiopia signed with France and Czech Republic, and then referred to the House the bills providing for the ratification of the agreements.

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