Newsletter 15
Government Forecasts an 8.55 GDP Growth
Seyoum Holds Talks with US Assistant Secretary for Africa
S. African Delegation Discuss Investment, Capacity Building Opportunities
Improved Quality, Quantity for Ethiopian Export products
Government Forecasts an 8.55 GDP Growth
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has announced a GDP growth forecast of about 8.55 percent, which exceeds the average necessary to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
In a report he presented to the House of Peoples' Representatives, which
marks the conclusion of the House's annual closing session, Prime Minister
Meles said Ethiopia's crusade against poverty and the struggle to ensure
rapid growth were successfully carried out during the 1998 Ethiopian fiscal
year.
The 8.55 percent GDP growth forecast has been reached on the basis of data collected in the past 11 months. The report deals with the highlights of Government activities during the year for the realization of its democratization, peace building and development objective.
"The fact that the rate of growth of export is more than twice faster than the overall growth of the economy shows that our economy is progressing on the right track as outlined in our development strategy," Meles said.
Although
these figures demonstrate an accelerated and positive growth, Meles said,
the inflation rate which was above what has been planned was seen as a
negative development. The actual rate of inflation stands at 12.4 percent as
against the less than 10 percent anticipated.
Coupled with price hikes of imports, particularly fuel, demand increase of commodities as stimulated by the economic growth triggered the inflation rate. In the case of fuel, Meles, however, said, "...The Government has provided support subsidy in order to reduce consequent inflationary pressure."
Conditions have been facilitated to stimulate growth at higher levels than ever in the fields of trade and industry, as investment activities of private entrepreneurs are in progress at levels of extent and magnitude never seen before.
Referring to dialogue with some representatives of parties in the House, the premier said, in its bid to promote a positive and healthy inter-party relations and competition, the ruling party was engaged in continuous dialogue with the aforementioned opposition groups.
The negotiations aim at enabling the parties to engage legally and cordially in constructive inter-party exchange of ideas. Cooperation is also sought to nurturing the practice.
Meles also expressed his Government's commitment to achieving success in the on-going tasks of consolidating economic development, peace, democracy and good governance for the benefit of the peoples of the country. Prime Minister Meles called on the entire Ethiopian peoples to rally behind the Government for the realization of these lofty objectives.
Seyoum holds talks with US Assistance Secretary for Africa
Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin held talks with US Assistance Secretary for African Affairs, Dr. Jendayi Frazer.
The two officials have discussed at length bilateral issues of concern to both Ethiopia and the U.S.
The two countries have reaffirmed commitment to further strengthen their amicable relations.
As Ethiopia is a strategic partner to the US, the two officials expressed beliefs that the existing bilateral relations between the two countries would be further enhanced.
Discussions were also held on the situations presently unfolding in Somalia and Darfur.
The two sides have also discussed the role the US government should play in collaboration with the international community to restore peace in Somalia.
Joint efforts, they said exerted to stop the continuing instability in Somalia would have importance not only for the Somalis but also for the international community as well.
Dr. Frazer said that the discussion she had with Foreign Minister Seyoum focused on issues of common concern to both Ethiopia and the US, the Somalia crisis, the Darfur peace agreement as well as other African issues.
S. African Delegation Discuss Investment, Capacity Building Opportunities
South African delegation led by Trade and Industry Minister, Mandisi Mpahlwa paid a working visit to Ethiopia from June 8-10, 2006. The tour aimed at introducig South African investors to Ethiopia, and finding ways to start cooperation in the capacity building sector among government institutions.
During consultation with Ethiopian officials, the South African delegation discussed the need to further strengthen the existing bilateral relationship of the two countries through trade and investment cooperations.
The two sides also deliberated on the importance of cooperating in the areas of capacity building and experience sharing.
While conferring with Mr. Mandisi, Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Seyoum Mesfin called up on the former to establish joint government business committee to encourage the flow of investors to Ethiopia.
The delegation, during its visit, also met with Ethiopian investors to discuss issues pertaining to investment.
A Joint Business Council has been established by signing a memorandum of understanding between the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of South Africa.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Addissu Legesse, State Minister of Trade and Industry, Tadesse Haile, Minister of Mines and Energy Alemayehu Tegenu, met and discussed with the South African Delegation.
Improved Quality, Quantity for Ethiopian Export products
Minister for Trade and Industry, Girama Biru says quantity and quality of export items have shown remarkable improvement.
In an interview with the Amharic magazine of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Diplomaciachin, Girma said, the government has created enabling business environment and provided incentives for domestic and foreign investors interested to invest in various business sectors.
Ethiopia has registered a double- digit growth in its economy due to this conducive environment.
Government has already launched a programme to share production cost with investors producing items for domestic consumptions.
Girma further said government is successfully using the port service rendered by neighboring countries such as the Sudan and Djibouti.
EPRDF, Opposition Agree to Abide by Amended House Working Procedure, Members' Code of Conduct
(June 27, 2006)
The ruling and two opposition parties have agreed to abide by the newly amended working procedure and members' code of conduct of the House of Peoples' Representatives.
At a joint press conference they gave at the conclusion of their two-day negotiations, EPRDF, the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM) and the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) said that the discussion was held in a sprit of mutual understanding.
Shiferaw Jarso, government Chief Whip, at the House of Peoples' Representatives with a rank of Minister, said the working procedure and code of conduct was amended in line with the Federal Constitution.
He added that some of the recommendations made by the two opposition parties were in contravention to the constitution and could not be incorporated in the document. They demanded the inclusion of provisions allowing them to involve in state and woreda affairs, he added.
He further indicated that the amendment was made in a bid to further enhance the on going democratic process in the country.
OFDM Chairman Bulcha Demeksa said the Opposition Day, meant to discussing their agenda for an hour every month, has been incorporated in the document.
According to Bulcha, though the earlier 51 per cent requirement to endorse an agenda has been reduced to one third , all the oppositions can't make up that even in aggregate.
UEDF Chairman, Prof. Beyene Petros on his part said the negotiation was important and various issues were discussed.
Prof. Beyene said the newly amended bill is better than the previous one.
"But the recommendations we made for the members of the House to go to their constituencies in order to exchange ideas freely and the one demanding for diminished power of the Speaker was not accepted, " said Prof. Beyene.
Embassy Features Ethiopian Culture at Japan Exhibition
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Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Japan participated in the "Africa Festa " held at Hibiya Park on 20 and 21 May, 2006.
The Ethiopian Embassy in Japan said variety of Ethiopian export items, traditional musical instruments, costumes, posters and paintings were displayed at the exhibition.
The Embassy also hosted the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, which was popular among Japanese and other foreign visitors of the exhibition.
The Embassy has also taken part in the fashion show programme portraying diverse cultures of nations and nationalities.
Present at the Exhibition were Ethiopian Ambassador to Japan, Abdureshide Dulene and other invited guests and dignitaries.
Trade Relation Between Ethiopia and India on the Rise
The bilateral trade between Ethiopia and India has been steadily growing as the two countries further bolster their friendly ties. The announcement was made by Indian Minister of State for Commerce, Sh. Jairam Ramesh .
In his opening remark at the Fourth Ethio-India Joint Trade Committee Meeting in New Delhi on the 5 th of June 2006, Sh. Jairam expressed satisfaction at the growth of trade between the two countries while stressing the need to expand the existing areas of trade and investment and find out new areas of cooperation.
"The interaction between Indian and Ethiopian business and industry associations must increase," he added.
During the meeting, Ethiopia's State Minister of Trade and Industry, Ahmed Tusa, underlined India's importance as trade and economic partner of Ethiopia, and elaborated on the excellent relationship and good will prevailing between the two countries as well as the achievements made so far.
He spoke of ample opportunities to be explored in order to further strengthen their relations.
The two sides agreed to strengthen and diversify trade and technical cooperation in areas such as infrastructural projects, agriculture trade, textile, information technology, power and energy, among others.
Trade volume between the two countries in 2005 reached Birr 2.1 billion while around 179 investor groups with a total capital of US $ 341.7 million have been licensed to invest in various sectors in Ethiopia since 1992.
The Trade Agreement between Ethiopia and India was signed on 6 th March 1997 in New Delhi.
The 5th Joint Trade Committee meeting would be held in Addis Ababa.