This article was published on the 27th of March 2017 on the website of NABC

The outlook for Ethiopia remains positive, Ethiopian Minister Arkebe Oqubay, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, has said. The minister was speaking during the ‘Doing Business in Ethiopia Seminar’ that was organised by the Netherlands-African Business Council on behalf of the Ethiopian Embassy in Brussels and the Common Fund for Commodities. 

The Ethiopian delegation, led by Dr. Oqubay, informed the 70 participants of the seminar about recent developments in the Ethiopia, both economically and socially. Dr. Oqubay recommended Dutch companies to set up enterprises at the Hawassa Industrial Park. “In 2025 we want to be the largest manufacturing hub in Africa. We have to create millions of jobs for our fast-growing population,” said Dr. Oqubay.

The minister lauded the recent cooperation between The Netherlands and Ethiopia. “Together with the Dutch, we have built a horticulture sector within ten years,” Mr Oqubay said. “We want to capitalize on this and we are inviting more companies to invest in horticulture in Ethiopia.”

‘Unrest overcome’

The Ethiopian Government is on an international investment drive. Before their visit to The Netherlands, trade delegations visited Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. This drive comes roughly half a year after a period of social unrest that took place in Ethiopia in September and October, during which dissenting groups took to the streets and attacked foreign firms, including six Dutch flower farms.

Minister Oqubay gave his view of the situation. “The expectance of the youth is high,” he said, referring to the protestors. Admitting that “democracy is a major challenge,” the minister asked for patience, saying that Western countries have experimented with democracy for hundreds of years, compared to Ethiopia that saw its first constitution only in 1995. “I firmly believe that an unfortunate incident like this won’t happen again,” Dr. Oqubay assured, adding that “the affected farms have received a certain compensation.”

Tax holidays for flower firms

The Ethiopian delegation promotes four different regions that have been earmarked for large-scale horticultural activity: the Alage, Bahir Dar, Arbaminch and Hawassa Hubs. The total size of the areas ranges from 900 to 2.500 hectares of land. In the Bahir Dar region, the government promises that land will be provided free for lease for 30 years, while other incentives for Horticulture hubs include Zero tax on export and an exemption from income tax for 8 to 10 years. NABC is ready to continue working with the Ethiopian Embassy and is considering an outgoing trade mission to the country.

This article was published on the 27th of March 2017 on the website of NABC

On Monday 27th of March 2017, more than 100 tourism professionals, tour operators, journalists, diplomats and investors gathered at the Press Club Brussels Europe to learn more about Ethiopia’s cultural and tourism developments, as well as about the emerging wine sector in the country.  The event, organized by the Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels in collaboration with Forbes Africa Magazine and the Brussels Press Club, aimed at promoting a good image of Ethiopia in Europe. It was also the occasion to unveil the new tourism brand of Ethiopia dubbed as “Ethiopia, The Land Of Origins.” After an informative program on Ethiopian tourism destinations, the guests enjoyed Ethiopian wine, a cultural show, an Ethiopian coffee ceremony and Ethiopian traditional cuisine.

In his statement, H.E. Teshome Toga, Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, to the Benelux, Baltic States and EU, reminded guests about Ethiopia’s distinct history and vivid culture, as well as of the country’s economic and social progress during the last 25 years. Moreover, although there were some unrests in some parts of the country last year, the situation was and remains completely safe for tourists. Past achievements and current efforts have contributed to march forward on the country’s aim to become a leading tourism destination. A sign for this commitment is the establishment of a tourism policy, as well as a National Tourism Council chaired by the Prime Minister, which enabled a big push in this sector, and also an Ethiopian Tourism Organization which mandate is to promote and develop the sector. The Ambassador also thanked the guests for their efforts to promote Ethiopia as a tourism destination and hoped for further collaboration in the future.

Mr. Luc Deckers, Guide and Accompanying Staff at the Tour Operator Voyages ICTAM, gave a detailed testimony about his experience in the country. Mr. Deckers, who visits Ethiopia with groups from Belgium several times a year, emphasized how easy it is to move around the country compared to other countries, thanks to the very good infrastructure. He also said the hotel accommodation has improved spectacularly in the last years. He added that participants to his trips were often eager to visit the country a second and even a third time to make sure they explore all the attractions Ethiopia has to offer.

Mr. Szymon Jagiello, EU Correspondent of the Forbes Afrique Magazine, also testified about the massive transformation the country had undergone in recent years based on efficient development policies.

Mr. Jean Paul Blavier, who run and monitores the Castel Winery project in Ethiopia, then explained how Castel’s 20-million euros investment was carried out starting 2007 and the way it positively contributed to change the image of Ethiopia in the whole world. Several factors explain the success story of this winery, among others the professionalism of this project in terms of human resources and technology transfer. Today, 283 Ethiopians are working in the winery, which covers 120 ha and produced 1.4 million bottles in 2016. Mrs Debritu-Lusteau, who works in  Benelux countries to sell their production, explained that Castle wine produced in Ethiopia is being sold in Europe since April 2015. It can mainly be found in Ethiopian restaurants in Europe at the moment, and the next step will be to make it available in European supermarkets.

Mr Bisrat Tedla, General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines Benelux, Office gave some insights about Ethiopian’s modern fleet and services, both in terms of international and domestic flights. Ethiopian Airlines is currently Africa’s largest airline in terms of revenue. Other specific features of Ethiopian Airlines are excellent on-time performance, high-quality on-board service and interesting fares for group travel.

Finally, a return ticket to Addis Ababa was handed over by H.E. Ambassador Teshome Toga and Mr. Bisrat Tedla to Mr. Mihai Contiu, winner of the lottery organized at Ethiopia’s exhibition stand the Brussels holiday fair Salon des Vacances last February.

After this formal program, participants had the chance to witness and participate to Ethiopian traditional dances carried out by enthusiastic dancers dressed in traditional costumes, to admire an Ethiopian coffee ceremony and taste authentic Ethiopian cuisine, along with the unique Ethiopian Rift Valley wine. Through the evening, guests had the opportunity to get a genuine taste of Ethiopian culture and get a glimpse of what Ethiopia has to offer, and why it is a unique tourism destination.

Seminars in the Netherlands on Sustainable business in Ethiopia, with a focus on horticulture and Doing Business in Ethiopia 

An Ethiopian High-Level delegation made a working visit to the Netherlands including two promotional seminars on sustainable business with a focus on horticulture and doing business in Ethiopia. The objectives of the visit and seminars were to inform to the Dutch public sector and private sector about the present situation, new vision and economic trends of the country and seek the support of the Dutch government to encourage the private sector in investing in Ethiopia. Another objective was to inform the Dutch private sector about the current business opportunities and invite to participate in the economic development of the country by way of investment, knowledge and technology transfer and benefits out of it.

Working visit and seminar on sustainable business in Ethiopia, with a focus on horticulture

From 18 March-21 March, 2017, with the support of the Dutch Government, A High- Level Ethiopian Delegation led by H.E. Dr. Arkebe Oqubay Metiku, Sr. Government Minister and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister made a working visit and seminar on promoting sustainable business in Ethiopia, with a focus on horticulture.

During the visit, the delegation made a field visit to Schiphol-Cargo, Royal VOPAK, and world’s leading independent tank storage company, exchange of information with Mr. Jeroen Verheul, Ambassador at large for Netherlands Foreign Trade and Development and discussion with development agents and knowledge institutions: EP-Nuffic, Solidaridad Europe and Landscape and Wageningen University Research Station. Flying Swans also gave presentation on the cool cargo chain followed by discussion.

The delegation also held talk with Mr. Kees van Baar, Human rights Ambassador of the Netherlands on human rights in business and investments and her Excellency Ploumen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on bilateral economic cooperation, assistance with sustainable land management and initiatives and tangible long-term sustainability. In addition, the delegation had a guided tour at Royal Floraholand and at Aasmeer, the largest trading center for plants and flowers in the world and a field visit at Kuehne-nagel, one of the leading global providers of innovative and fully integrated supply chain solutions and Evofendex and Waterwatch Cooperative dealing with trade facilitation and information services with satellite technology for Agrifood accessible and affordable to all actors in the value chain respectively.

The incoming mission had also a seminar on business opportunities in horticulture: integrated development of horticulture site Hawassa in Ethiopia, at Robobank-Westland. The seminar was kicked off by Mr. Sjaak van de Tak, Mayar of Westland with more than 70 participants from the public and private sectors. Following this, Dr. Arkebe gave presentation on the new vision and economic trends of Ethiopia and Mr. Zelalem Meles, Ethiopian Diaspora investor in horticulture and Chairman of the Ethiopian Horticulture Association gave presentation on the performance and opportunities of the Ethiopian horticulture sector, the new horticulture hubs, incentives applicable to the hubs and his testimonials as an investor.

Mr. Peter Niekus gave presentation on how Rabobank supports Dutch business in Africa, Mr Jan-Erik Visscher, and Account Manager Ethiopia FloraHolland on perspectives in horticulture and two Dutch investors on horticulture in Ethiopia also gave their testimonials on the Ethiopian Horticulture industry. The seminar was rounded by question and answer session and business networking.

Seminar on Doing Business in Ethiopia

On 22 March 2017, a high-level seminar on ‘Doing Business in Ethiopia’ was jointly organized by the Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels and the Netherlands-African Business Council (NABC) at the Common Fund for Commodities in Amsterdam.

The seminar was kicked off by the opening remark of the host, Mr. Alex Gruber, Chief Operations Officer at Common Fund for Commodities (CFC).

Mr. Tesfaye Tadesse, Minister Councellor at the Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels, on behalf of Mr. Teshome Toga, Ethiopian Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to the Benelux, also made a welcoming remark and explained about the Ethio-Netherlands political and economic relations and the alignment of Ethiopian economic diplomacy anchored foreign and national security policy and strategy with the Dutch economic cooperation policy of trade, aid and investment. He also mentioned the pivotal role of the private sectors of the two sisterly countries for the enhancement of the relation and the policy measures taken by the two Governments and cited the Double Taxation Avoidance Treaties (DTs) and Bilateral Investment Guarantee Treaties (BITs) concluded between the two Governments. Furthermore, he indicated about 135 Dutch companies active in investment mostly in horticulture in the country and the incoming and outgoing trade missions concluded on our priority areas in the past years and the Ethio-Netherlands Business event held in Nov/2015 based on the business opportunity reports of the two sisterly countries.  Both were concluded in collaboration with the Ethiopian Embassy in Brussels, the Dutch Embassy in Addis and NABC, with the full support of the governments of the two sisterly countries.

During the seminar Dr. Arkebe updated the participants about the current situation, the new vision and economic trends in Ethiopia. The Minister emphasized on the stability and economic growth of the country and mentioned about the commitment of the government in dedicating more than 60% of its annual budget to infrastructure, energy and education and the competitive advantage of the country to foreign direct investment. He also briefed to participants about the extensive developments of 10 world class eco-industrial parks in the country dedicated for specific sectors such as textile and apparel, leather and leather products, pharmaceuticals, agro-products etc, and aimed at commodities production along value chains. He also mentioned that the parks are surrounded by infrastructure such as airport, railway lines, dry airports, universities etc. and elaborated about the incentives given to manufacturers and developers. The Minister, as an example indicated the recently inaugurated Hawassa Industrial Park specialized in textile with I billion USD annual export revenue generating capacity employing 60,000 employees.

Dr. Belachew Mekuria, Deputy Commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission on his part briefed the participants about the current investment climate, investment incentives and services provided by the Commission to investors. Ato Yakob Yala, Director of the Ethiopian Horticulture and Agriculture Authority also briefed about the responsibility of the organization he represents, the Ethiopian horticulture sector development and the new horticulture hubs at Hawassa, Alagae, Arbaminch and Bahir Dar and incentives applicable to the hubs. Question and answer sessions were also entertained following the presentations.

As representatives of the Dutch private sector in Ethiopia, Jeroen Beijers (General Manager Africa Bavaria), Willem van Noort (CEO Kagan Spices) and Andy Kers (General Manager Steder Logistics) gave presentations and testimonials to the audience about their activities and the business opportunities in Ethiopia.

Network meetings with the delegation members and one-to-one meetings with Dr. Arkebe, Dr Belachew and Mr. Yacob Yala were also organized during the event.

In a nut shell, the working visit and the promotional seminars were successful for the objectives they were planned for.

Picture: Arne Doornebal/NABC

Picture: Arne Doornebal/NABC

Picture: Arne Doornebal/NABC

Picture: Arne Doornebal/NABC

Picture: Arne Doornebal/NABC

Picture: Arne Doornebal/NABC

Picture: Arne Doornebal/NABC

Picture: Arne Doornebal/NABC

Picture: Arne Doornebal/NABC

Picture: Arne Doornebal/NABC

The Secretariat of the Command Post of the State of Emergency on Wednesday (March 15) announced that it has lifted parts of the State of Emergency imposed in October following the “restoration of law and order in many parts of the country”.

Secretariat of the Comand Post and Minister of National Defense, Siraj Fegessa said that arbitrary arrests without court orders and searches without court papers have been terminated. The curfew that was imposed on movements around major infrastructural facilities from 6:00 P.M to 6:00 A.M for security reasons is among the lifted restrictions.

Siraj added that the article on restricting and controlling messages on radio, TV, literature, pictures, photographs, theater and film productions have also been lifted. It was also said that some of the articles in the two directives previously issued to implement the state of emergency have been cancelled because the country is back on normal state of affairs.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Mrs. Hirut Zemene met a high-level delegation of the Africa Working Party of the Council of the European Union (COAFR) this morning (March 17, 2017).

The State Minister briefed the delegation on national issues and developments in the region.

Praising the overall strategic partnership between Ethiopia and the EU, Mrs. Hirut said the two parties are working closely on implementing the strategic engagement Agreement in general and cooperating across issues of human rights and Good governance in particular. 

The State Minister called on the delegation to work on the implementation of Job Compact initiative which she emphasized would benefit thousands of youth migrants. 

She also underlined the need for a continued comprehensive support from international partners like the EU for countries in the region, including South Sudan and Somalia.

Please consider these two invitations for the members of the Ethiopian diaspora living in the Netherlands and in Belgium (please click on the invitation to see the full-size document):

On Saturday 11th of March 2017, parts of the largest hillside at the Koshe garbage dump in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, collapsed. The landslide buried a slum that had been built in this area.

Dr. Negeri Lencho, Communication Affairs Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia said the majority of the dead were women and children as well the rescue operations were still continuing on the 15th of March. He further said the tragic incident has left 113 people 38 men and 75 women dead and several others wounded.

Mr. Diriba Kuma, Mayor of Addis Ababa city administration has extended his personal condolences and affirmed the commitment of the administration to support the victim families sustainably and provide ten to fifteen thousand birr and they would be resettled permanently in the coming years.

The mayor said the city administration has established three separate committees to conduct studies and provide sustainable solutions to the bereaved families. The administration has relocated 106 households, consisting of a total of 297 families, from the garbage dump site and the Mayor called on donors and other bodies to assist the administration’s effort.

The government tried to close the dump in 2016 and move it to a new location, but reconsidered the decision after people living near the new site shared their concern.

The House of People’s Representatives of Ethiopia has declared three days of national mourning starting on 15th of March 2017. The House also expressed its profound sympathy to bereaved families.

Accordingly, Ethiopia’s flag fly at half-mast for three days across the country, Ethiopian owned ships as well as Ethiopian embassies and consular offices abroad.

The Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels extended its deepest condolences over the death of the victims and also offered its profound sympathy to the families who lost their loved ones.

Embassy of Ethiopia, Brussels

Contact

The House of People’s Representatives (HPR) has officially declared a three-day long national mourning for the death of 72 people due the sudden slide of dump rubbish at the outskirt of Addis Ababa in an area known as Quoshe.

The House decided three-days of mourning from March 15-17, 2017, after it concluded its regular session today.

Flags will be hoisted at half mast in all Ethiopian embassies, ships and consuls for the coming three days.

The House expressed its deep condolences for the families and the dead via the statement it sent officially to the media.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to extend its deepest condolences over the death of fifty people which occurred last Saturday in the outskirt of the city. The Ministry also offers its profound sympathy to the families who lost their loved ones.

http://www.mfa.gov.et/web/guest/-/mfa-offers-its-deepest-condolences-over-the-death-of-50-people-after-garbage-landslide

This year, Brussels Airport is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Brussels Airport Aviation Awards. Once again, 10 airlines and partners received a special award during a sparkling evening event attended by 200 guests. The Brussels Airport Aviation Awards are presented in various categories to the airlines and partners that have distinguished themselves in the past year in network development and new routes, environment and safety, performance and punctuality.

The Network Development Award Cargo Airline went to Ethiopian Airlines Cargo. The hub at Brucargo has been expanded with more flights and destinations and Ethiopian has become the largest cargo airline at Brussels Airport in just 6 months.

Ethiopian Airlines Press release: Ethiopian Wins ‘Cargo Airline Award for Network Development” at Brussels Airport

http://www.brusselsairport.be/pressroom/jubilee-edition-of-the-brussels-airport-aviation-awards/