|
The development assistance Ethiopia received for the implementation of its development progrsms has shown a significant increase. Getachew Admasu, Head of the public Relations office of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, MoFED, told MoFA Newsletter tha the viable policies and strategies have helped augment donor interest to finance development schemas. Ethiopia has received 9.5 billion birr in aid and loans from donor states and multilateral organization in the current fiscal year, which is relatively larger than previous times. The loan and aid will be used for the implementation of programs on road and rural development, food security, capacity building, education, health, hydroelectric and potable water projects. Some 2.6 billion birr loan obtained from Italy shall be used for the Gilgel-Gibe-II hydroelectric power project, whereas the 60 million birr loan from China will be used for road construction. With regards debt relief, the country has been forgiven a total of 4.8 billion birr by international financial institutions and the Paris Club Creditors. Germany, France, Italy and America have totally cancelled the country debt. Earlier, in 2004, Ethiopia has benefited from a 3.3 billion dollar debt relief as part of the heavily indebted poor countries initiative / HIPIC / |
|
Ethiopia to Launch Cyber-coffee Ethiopia is to begin coffee auctioning through the Internet as of May 2005. Manager of coffee and tea quality control center with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abraham Begashaw told MoFA Newsletter that the auction would help to introduce the best quality coffee to international buyers and create market image and sustainability. According to Abraham, with exposure to the variety and quantity of Ethiopia coffee, the auction helps to increase area coverage than the conventional one. He added 10 of Ethiopian's finest coffee varieties including washed and unwashed coffee from Yirga Cheffe, Sidamo, Nekemte, Illubabor are to be auctioned. Abraham said 13 judges from Ethiopia, the United Stats, Japan, and New Zealand, the Netherlands and France tested more than 190 types of Ethiopian coffee before setting on the final. The Finest coffee beans, he said, are selected because they were organic and possessing superb test, aroma and flavor. |
|
12 African Embassies Acquire Land The Addis Ababa city Government says 12 Embassies of African countries have received land for construction. Dr. Abraham Tekeste, Head of the Mayer's office told MoFA Newsletter that 12 Embassies have received land for future construction of chanceries and residences. Botswana, Ghana, Tunisia, and Madagascar are among the countries that have already acquired plots while some others have started the process for their title-deeds. The city Government is committed to upgrade the infrastructure and service delivery of the metropolis which will also help to meet the demand of African and resident diplomats. According to DR. Abraham, over the past year alone, 792 investors have joined the construction, industry and real estate sectors with a total capital of 6 billion birr. Some 50 Ethiopian from the Diaspora with an aggregate capital of more than 274 million birr have launched various investment activities creating job opportunities for 2,793 compatriots. |