The ILO hosted delegates from the German and Ethiopian governments to discuss “Inclusive Industrial Development and Decent Jobs in Global Supply Chains in Ethiopia”
The high-level discussion participants comprise Her Excellency Dr. Ergogie Tesfaye, Minster of Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs Ethiopia, Excellency Hubertus Heil, German Minster of Labour and Social Affairs, and Excellency Dr. Gerd Mueller, German Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, private sector actors and development partners. 
The discussion was opened with a welcoming remark from Mr. Alexio Musindo Director- ILO Office for Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan. In his opening remark, Mr. Alexio highlighted the historical and current role of Germany in supporting the ILO globally as well as the work in Africa whilst acknowledging the unwavering collaboration that exists between the ILO and the African Union in achieving decent work.

‘Ethiopia joined the ILO in 1923, -- the first African Member State to join the organisation. Ethiopia has ratified 23 Conventions including all eight fundamental Conventions of the ILO., Just like German, Ethiopia is a current member of the ILO Governing Body and the Coordinator of the Africa Group of the Governing Body.’ Mr. Alexio remarked.

Following the remarks made by Mr. Alexio, the Ethiopian Minister of Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) Dr. Ergogie Tesfay confirmed the government’s commitment to work with the ILO and constituents in ensuring Decent Work in the garment and textile industry as well as the other sectors.
‘My government is committed to address the decent work deficit in the world of work. The government with the support of ILO is developing a roadmap for setting minimum wage at the sectorial and national level’’ Dr. Ergogie explained.
Furthermore, in the journey to help prevent and reduce the unacceptable number of workplace-related deaths, injuries and diseases, Dr. Ergogie highlighted the work that is being done in collaboration with the ILO to establish an effective labour inspection information and knowledge management system.

‘A key to this vision is to support the establishment of the labour inspection system that will help promoting effective, healthy and peaceful industrial relations through ensuring good labour administration, with occupational safety and health services at both national and regional levels’ Dr. Ergogie emphasised.





The event also hosted German Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Mr Minister Hubertus Heil as well as Minister for Economic Development Co-operation Dr. Gerd Müller.

"Germany will support Ethiopia through the Vision Zero Fund in creating a Decent Work environment as a condition for Social and sustainable economic development. We have committed 2 million dollar for the work that is being done under the ILO programme of Advancing Decent Work and Inclusive Industrialization in Ethiopia (SIRAYE programme)." Minister Hubertus Heil emphasised.
Minister Dr. Gerd M Müller also expressed his office’s commitment to the work that is being done in Ethiopia.

"a lot remains to be done especially in the area of setting minimum wage in compliance with environmental and social standard. Better life condition for women and men here in this country is critical in achieving an inclusive economic development. We are happy to support the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda of the Ethiopian government" Minister Dr. Gerd Müller stated.

The event also brought together global brands The Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Union, Employers association and development partners to discuss their role in ensuring safe and sustainable work environment for the growing textile and garment industry.  in Ethiopia.