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Ethiopia Benefits form Debit Cancellation
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi says Ethiopia benefits from debit cancellation by the G* countries. Prime Minister Meles in an interview with the BBC said that Ethiopia suffers regular famines despote debt reduction and development assistance due to structural problem related to the agriculture sector.
Following the liberalization of the economy average growth rate was between four and five percent for the past decade, he added.
G8 leaders who met in Scotland have agreed a 50 billion dollars aid boost for Africa. British Prime Minister Tony Blair on the occasion said “It isn’t all every one wanted, but it’s progress.”
He added substantial progress had been made in helping developing countries.
In a related news the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development /MoFED/ says debt cancellation by G8 countries help Ethiopia to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Public Relation Service Head with the Ministry, Getachew Admasu told MoFA Newsletter, canceling debt owed by Ethiopia accelerates efforts to meet MDGs deadline. Ethiopia benefits from the proposed debt relief envisaged to enhance economic and political reform.
The G8 Finance Ministers had backed an agreement that calls for over 4.4 billon dollars debt cancellation for Ethiopia.
Ethiopia owes only 1.36 billon dollars to donor nations and International Financial Institutions when the multilateral debt is written off.
He further noted that Ethiopia redirects fund used for debt repayment to health care and education, among others.
Finance Ministers from the world wealthiest nations have agreed on debt
relief for 18 nations including 14 sub-Saharan countries. |
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Sudan Says Ethiopia Polls 'Symbolic'
The Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman described the May election as a model to the region.
At a press briefing he gave here, Mustafa congratulated the Ethiopian government on the conduct of free and fair election.
He said Sudan has succeeded in establishing cordial relations with the Ethiopian government.
Mustafa also indicated that Eritrea's interference has negatively impacted on peace and security in the Sudan.
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin on his part said Ethiopia is undergoing a democratization process unprecedented in its history.
The people and government of Ethiopia, Seyoum said, will emerge much stronger and stable from the elections.
Seyoum who said that Eritrea remains factor of instability in the sub-region called upon the international community and particularly the Eritrean people to tame the government.
Seyoum discussed with his Sudanese counter part Mustafa Osman various bilateral and regional issues.
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Ethiopia Registers Increase in Export Trade
Ethiopia registered a 39 percent increase in export trade in the last fiscal year.
Head of Public Relations and Advertisement with the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Hailu Abebe, said the export trade performance has shown a significant improvement from 508 million dollars of the previous year to 708 million dollars in 1997 E.C.
Coffee, meat and cattle, flower, fruits and vegetables, cereals, leather and leather products, are the major export items. Necessary amendments have been made in relation to the process and procedure of issuing license to exporters and facilitating their jobs that resulted in subsequent increase in the country's export trade.
Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Britain and Belgium from Europe; Saudi Arabia,
Israel and Pakistan from Asia; and Djibouti and the United States are the
major destinations of the goods. |
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Association Call for Sustainable Tourism
The Ethiopian Tour operators Association (ETOA) calls for sustainable tourism development.
In an Interview with MoFA Newsletter, Assoction General Manager, Lulseged Bekele, said it is working closely with the government to bring about sustainable tourism development in Ethiopia.
The association has joined hands with the Tourism Commission, Ethiopian Airlines, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other sector offices in enhancing on - going national image building.
ETOA has featured various tourist destinations through video slides and photographs in different courtiers.
The prevailing peace and stability in Ethiopia has enabled tour operators to benefit from engagement in the sector.
The
Ethiopian Tour operators Assoction established in 2003 enjoys membership
numbering 45 tour operators. |
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Ethiopia Well Presented at Hitachi Expo
According to Yelebu archeological findings, and promotional materials which represents the Ethiopian people have been presented at the expo.
The fact that coffee is originated in Ethiopia and its naming and the way it grows has been presented as well at the expo.
The visitors has also learnt that Ethiopia produces organic coffee and natural Sesame which is in harmony with the motto of the expo. Various leather products were also at display he said and that such an expo will greatly contribute in promoting the Country's image and create market opportunity for agricultural export items that the country produces.
It was learnt that the expo was organized under the theme of Nature's wisdom to give attention to environmental issues and it will continue to be displayed till 25 September.
Group Fascinated by Sites
A group of Ivorian journalists said that it was caught with a surprise to see some of the ancient historical sites in Ethiopia.
Journalists from RIT and Fraternité Matin with a wider coverage all over the Francophone West Africa region in an interview with MoFA Newsletter expressed their fascination about the tourist attraction sites they visited in the Northern part of the country.
" It is simply fantastic. I could not believe what I saw! I was particularly touched by the finesse and architecture of the one-stone rock hewn churches" said Erenst Aka Simon from Franternité Matin.
Eugēne Attoubé from RIT on his part said, " the complexity and diversity of the Ethiopian cultural and historical heritages has been a great source of wonder. I have been pondering on it during all my visits".
The group also expressed their admiration for the Ethiopian Airlines. They said, " It is a source of pride for Africa".
During their stay, the group visited tourist attraction sites in Bahirdar, Gondar, Lalibela, Axum and the Addis Ababa city and made interviews with the Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture Ambassador Teshome Toga, Tourism Commissioner Yussuf Abdulahi Suker, Vice President of the A.A.U. Mohamed Habib, and Public Relations Head with the Ethiopian Airlines Kagnew Fisseha. |