Addis Ababa: The Council of Ministers, in its 39th regular session today discussed various issues and passed resolutions, according to the Office of the Prime Minister (PMO). Initially, the Council deliberated on a draft bill of the national revenue strategy for the period 2024-2027. The strategy is reportedly developed in view of modernizing the tax system and creating a conducive environment for private investments. It will also help to promote effective implementation of tax policies, administrative reforms and amendments thereof synchronized with the Tens Years Development Plan. After extensive discussion on the issue, the Council unanimously passed a decision for the strategy to become effective. Secondly, the Council debated on two draft bills on agreements on air transport services with the Republics of Malta and Chad. The agreement provides for transporting any passenger and freight transport flights by the Ethiopian Airlines and Group to any city in Malta and N'Djamena through the authorization of 3rd and 4th air traffic rights to transport passengers and air freights in collaboration with representatives and partners based on the 5th traffic transport rights. These flights aimed at promoting bilateral relations, foreign trade tourism, employment generation, acquisition to Forex and investments between the countries. Having discussed the draft bill, the Council unanimously decided to refer it to the House of Peoples' Representative (HPR) for approval. Moreover, the Council Ministers discussed a draft bill for ratification of the Paris Industrial Property Convention. This Convention contains important elements to safeguard the safety, security and protection of industrial properties among member states, protection of patent rights, service delivery models, industrial designs, trademarks, service brands, brand names, product origination signs, for protection against unfair trade competition which includes agricultural commodities and other products based on natural resources. The ratification of t he Convention is anticipated to add value to Ethiopia's long standing request for membership at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Council referred it for approval to the parliament after deliberations. The Council also discussed a draft bill on international signs which have been synchronized with protocol based on the Madrid Agreement. The protocol provides for the legal protection of trade marks at national and international levels and unauthorized misuse of products and services for other purposes and for the promotion of quality products and services for generation of wealth at all levels. After discussing the protocol, the Council forwarded it to the concerned standing committee of the HPR for further review and ratification. Finally, the Council discussed the Immigration and Citizenship Affairs and Immigration and Citizenship Affairs Employees Regulation. The Regulation provides for enabling the Service to discharge its responsibilities bestowed upon it by proclamation and to provide effective and efficient services to customers and resolve issues pertaining to delay in delivery of passports. The Regulation also would lend opportunity to accelerate reform programs in the organization with due consideration to the specific nature of the services provided by the organization. After incorporating additional inputs on the decree, the council unanimously decided the Regulation to become effective as of its date of publication in the Negarit Gazette. Source: Ethiopian News Agency