Gerd Müller, the Director – General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), has called for fair, open cooperation and trade between Africa and the EU single market.
Müller, made the call during the Italy-Africa Summit which brought together leaders of 25 African countries and representatives of European Union institutions.
He enjoined the European Union’s high-level representatives, ” We need fair markets, fair global value chains and investment in local value addition.”
Furthermore, he highlighted the need for huge investments in energy infrastructure and digitalization in Africa.
While in Rome, Müller also engaged in several bilateral meetings with senior government officials, UN officials and other stakeholders.
He held a meeting with Qu Dongyu, Director – General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), during which FAO and UNIDO reconfirmed their joint commitment to increase food security and transform agri-food systems around the world, for example through their joint initiative on Agrifood Systems Transformation Accelerator (ASTA), which supports countries by facilitating innovative partnerships and investments.
He also attended the Agricola Medal ceremony, where the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, received this award in recognition of his contribution to food security and the Sustainable Development Goals.