Calls for partnership and assistance marked the third general assembly of the Ethiopian Plastics & Rubber Manufacturers Association. The 41 members, led by President Mintesinot Lemma, discussed the growing pressure of supply shortages, inflation of input prices and unheard calls for foreign currency that seriously undermined their production capacities. "We need to work together to enhance our bargaining power," Mintesinot told members, reflecting on a previously successful lobbying effort to remove customs duties on synthetic thermoplastic or PVC imports. Ethiopia imports over 400,000tn of raw materials annually, according to the association's report, with per capita consumption of plastics growing by 11pc annually over the past 14 years. General Manager Samson Ketema echoed similar sentiments, calling out for the other 4,000 plastic and rubber manufacturers to join their association. Mekuria Bayachew, industries sectorial association head from the Ministry of Industry said "Two hands are better than one", to bolster the point.
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