Kinshasa, March 24th, 2021 (CPA) – The regional director of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for Africa, Jean Bakole, has pledged the support of his institution in the promotion of industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with the aim of boosting its industrial sector.
Bakole said this after the hearing given to him on Tuesday in Kinshasa by outgoing industry minister Julien Paluku Kahongya, CPA learned from the industry ministry on Wednesday.
According to the source, the exchanges of views between the two personalities also focused on, in particular, the organization of the very first international trade fair for industry and technological innovation scheduled for next May in Kinshasa; the establishment of Special Economic Zones (ZES) as well as the advent of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ZLECAF).
UNIDO Regional Director for Africa praised the desire for paradigm shifts displayed by the Congolese authorities, headed by the President of the Republic, Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, not to be specifically based on mining activities, but also to explore other important sub-sectors such as agriculture, agro-industry, industrial fishing, textiles and other products that could bring more wealth, even jobs.
“We also believe that we cannot go within the framework of industrialization, let alone investments and set up special economic zones. This will allow us to launch the industrial park. We, as UNIDO, are ready to make our contribution, to support the economy of your country”, he added.
For its part, the Congolese government, through the outgoing Minister in charge of Industry, welcomed the consolidation of cooperation between UNIDO and DRC which is materializing in several sectors of national life.
As a reminder, during the meeting with Mr. Jean Bakole, Minister Julien Paluku was surrounded by experts from his ministry and Ms. Julie Tshilombo, Deputy Coordinator of External Resources and Project Monitoring at the Presidency of the Republic. ACP/Kayu