Over 350 local manufacturers, foreign investors and more than a quarter million visitors are expected to gather in an event aiming to expand the market destinations of locally manufactured products. Melaku Alebel, minister of Industry said the project intends to promote import substitution, expand the manufacturers' market destination, and increase export volume. According to Melaku, the Ministry has been paying close attention to the sector, learning from international countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan at the launching ceremony. Dubbed "Made in Ethiopia", the event is organised by the Ministry of Industry in the month of May at the Millennium Hall, on Africa Avenue (Bole Road). The Prime Minister introduced the national initiative last year with the goal of developing a competitive manufacturing industry by addressing the issues the industry is facing. Melaku said manufacturers and financial institutions should engage in the event and discuss the policies in the manufacturing sector.