February 26, 2015 (WIC) – Ethiopia is delivering impressive progress towards the Millennium Development Goals meaning the needs of the country are changing as it experiences strong economic growth and increasing domestic revenue.

Recognizing Ethiopia’s growing success, the UK will now evolve its approach by transitioning support towards economic development to help generate jobs, income and growth that will enable self-sufficiency and ultimately end poverty.

This will go alongside additional funding for specific health, education and water programmes – where impressive results are already being delivered – resourced by ending support for the Promotion of Basic Services programme.

The UK remains firmly committed to poverty reduction in Ethiopia. This transition in approach does not affect the amount of aid DFID will provide to Ethiopia in 2015/16. (gov.uk)

Addis Ababa, 24 February 2015 (WIC) – Considering proper utilization of funds extended to support projects by the Ethiopian government, the European Union has decided to increase amount of financial assistance.

The EU has decided to increase its yearly support to 200 million Euros (one billion Euros for the coming five years) starting from this year, considering the proper utilization of assistance during the last period, Head of EU Delegation to Ethiopia, Chantal Hebberecht told ENA.

According to her, the EU has been monitoring the utilization of funds allocated for specific projects by Ethiopia and it confirmed that the funds have been spent for the intended purposes.

EU has confirmed that the support allocated for projects in natural conservation, agriculture, education and health has been spent properly, she added.

In addition to the proper utilization of funds, the nation’s effort to alleviate poverty is also another reason for EU to increase its support to Ethiopia.

She noted that Ethiopia has been undertaking successful activities regarding poverty alleviation, reducing child and maternal deaths, realize universal access to primary education, and control malaria, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Allocating 70 percent of its budget to education, infrastructure, health institutions and poverty alleviation projects, helped Ethiopia achieve the MDGs, he added.

Germany, France, UK and Italy are among the leading countries in extending development assistance to Ethiopia.

EU, among the biggest development partners of Ethiopia, is also the destination for 30 percent of Ethiopia’s coffee, leather, horticultural and floricultural exports.

UK, Sweden, Germany and Netherlands are among the leading foreign direct investment sources for the country, with more than 300 projects with a combined capital of 60 billon US dollars.

Twenty of the total 28 members of the EU have embassies in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. (ENA

Addis Ababa, 21 February 2015 (WIC) -The Ethio-Germany relationship is being consolidated by people-to-people ties beyond the diplomatic relations, according to Germany’s Ambassador to Ethiopia.

Ambassador Joachim Schmidt told ENA that the political, diplomatic, economic and social cooperation of the two countries has reached high level.

Schmidt indicated that the relation is strengthened by people-to-people ties and is being built on solid foundation.

The relationship of the peoples of the two countries is deep and multifaceted when compared to other countries, he added.

He said high-level official visits of the two governments, the relationship of sister cities and development cooperations have played a significant role in bringing the peoples of the two nations closer.

Germany is the fifth largest destination for Ethiopian export, the ambassador said, adding that the annual trade volume of the two countries has jumped over 200 million Euros.

Schmidt further indicated that of the stated amount 84 million is Ethiopia’s share and the remaining balance that of Germany.

Ethiopia exports agricultural products, including coffee and textiles to German markets, while it imports pharmaceuticals, medicines and machinery, among others, it was learned.

Some 35 German companies are reportedly engaged in Ethiopia’s floricultural, logistics, transport and pharmaceutical sectors.

Ambassador Schmidt explained that the over 50-years Ethio-German development cooperation focuses on the provision of primary education, technical and vocational training, agriculture and biodiversity.

Starting from 2009, Germany has closely supported Ethiopia’s green economy policy and supported the revival of 180,000 hectares of land that benefits over 194,000 farmers, he said.

It was stated that the countries have strong cooperation in preventing drought, fighting climate change and terrorism.

Ambassador Schmidt said Germany has a great admiration for the role Ethiopia has been playing in ensuring peace and stability in Somalia and South Sudan, and particularly in Darfur and Abiye.

He also appreciated Ethiopia’s efforts in hosting and protecting displaced citizens of neighboring countries.

According to ENA, Ethiopia and Germany began diplomatic relations in 1905.

Addis Ababa, 20 February 2015 (WIC) – The Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (AACCSA) said yesterday that the 19th Addis Chamber International Trade Fair would remain open with the theme: ‘Business Enabling Environment for Export Promotion’ here at the Addis Ababa Exhibition Centre February 19 – 25, 2015.

State Minister of Trade Ali Siraj said that this international event is vital platforms for companies to share experiences from their foreign counterparts, initiate business linkages and investment through joint venture arrangements.

The government of Ethiopia is committed to support companies’ endeavors to enhance their competitive positions through improving the business climate and eliminating policy and regulatory bottlenecks that adds cost of doing business to the private sector.

Less competitive firms in developing countries are forced to face competition from most efficient and competitive firms from all corners of the world. To this end, the government has institutionalized Public-Private Consultative Forums to engage the private sector with constructive consultation to address challenges facing business and investment in the country.

AACCSA Secretary General Getachew Regassa said on his part that the Chamber has been in service of the business community for more than 65 years through providing advocacy, business development and capacity building services, among others. One of the key roles of the Chamber is promoting trade and investment in the country using different instruments, he added.

Getachew said the objective of the trade fair is promoting trade and investment through creating venues for promotion of goods and services and facilitating buyer-seller relationships using internationally recognized instruments.

He also said that the 19th edition of ACITF attracted 164 foreign companies from 20 countries and more than 80 local companies to the trade fair.

Liaison Officer to Selet Hulling PLC Teklu Gebre-Hiwot and Sales and Marketing Head with Spectrum Scan PVT.LTD, Indian company, Anil Mathai said on their part that the trade fair exposes them to international competitions and provides good learning ground for their own industries. It is also essential for enhancing competitiveness at national, regional and international levels through networking with international businesses by undertaking mutually beneficial endeavors. (EH)

Addis Ababa, 18 February 2015 (WIC) – Ethiopia generated $114 million from horticulture exports during the first six months of its budgetary year (which began last July), the Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency (EHDA) said Tuesday. “Nearly $91 million of total revenues were secured from the export of 289 million flower cuttings and over 20,000 tons of roses and summer flowers,” Mekonnen Hailu, head of public relations at the EHDA, told The Anadolu Agency. “The balance was obtained from nearly 77,000 tons of vegetables, fruits and herbs,” he added. According to Hailu, the Netherlands represents the main export destination for Ethiopian flowers, accounting for 80 percent of the country’s total flower exports. Other markets include Germany, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), France, Italy, Japan and the U.S. Hailu said the main export destinations for Ethiopian fruits and vegetables included EU countries, the UAE, Somalia, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Sudan, among others.

The EHDA has been registering growth from year to year since its establishment a decade ago, Hailu said. “Ethiopia earned over $245 million from horticultural exports in the last fiscal year ending July 7, 2014,” he explained. “This amount exceeded by more than 6 percent the $230.5 million in revenue generated the previous budget year,” he added. The amount earned in the first six months of the current budget year, he said, had also surpassed – by 7.2 percent – the amount generated in the same period last year. “Demand for Ethiopian horticultural products has increased significantly in the global market and the country’s foreign currency earnings from the sector have grown in tandem,” Hailu told AA. New investors – from the Netherlands, India, Ecuador and Saudi Arabia – have all recently engaged in the [horticultural] sector,” he noted. (World Bulletin)

Addis Ababa, 17 February 2015 (WIC) – Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn said Ethiopia will realize the target set to end harmful traditional practices including female genital mutilation (FGM) before 2025, the deadline set to meet the goal. While discussing with visiting Danish Crown Princess Mary Elizabeth Donaldson yesterday, Hailemariam said Ethiopia has been working to meet the target to end FGM and child marriage by 2025 FGM and harmful traditional practices are “significantly” dropping in the country following concerted efforts exerted during the past years, he added. Girls and women are victims of harmful traditional practices in every part of the country because of the attitude of societies towards these practices. Since increasing knowledge of societies is important to change this reality, the government will continue its efforts to raise their awareness, Hailemariam said.

Crown Princess Donaldson for her part appreciated implementation of relevant instruments such as strategy, legal frameworks and bills that help to fight these practices in Ethiopia. Appreciating the efforts exerted to make the society part of the solution, she said this could be exemplary to other countries.

Ethiopia has managed to halve the rate for FGM and Child marriage between 2000 and 2013. FGM rate has decreased to 23 percent in 2013 from 52 percent in 2000, while child marriage reduced to 8 percent from 32 percent. The country will realize the target to end these practices by 2025, if it continues with the current pace, said Haileleul Seyoum, Women and Youth Mobilization and Participation Director at the Ministry of Women, Children and Youth. The government’s commitment and efforts being exerted to make the society part of the solution by raising awareness, and improved cooperation with partners contributed for the success gained in the area, according to Haileleul.

Addis Ababa, 12 February 2015 (WIC) – Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Tedros Adhanom met a delegation led by Jose Ramos-Horta, former President of East Timor, Nobel Laureate, and Chairman of the UN’s High-Level Independent Panel on Peacekeeping Operations, on Tuesday (February 10).

The two parties reviewed African and global peacekeeping operations, discussing mechanisms to strengthen the partnership between the African Union and the United Nations in peacekeeping.They also shared details of Ethiopia’s very considerable experience of successful peacekeeping operations, and considered mechanisms to enhance future operations.

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Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn met with President of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh on Saturday 07 February 2015 in Djibouti. Prime Minister Hailemariam went to Djibouti to attend the first Ethiopia –Djibouti High Level joint commission meeting aimed at bolstering the bilateral relation of the two countries particularly by expediting the economic integration. Prime Minister Hailemariam was accompanied by Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Ato Sofian Ahmed, Minister of Transport, Ato Workineh Gebeyehu, Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Ato Alemayehu Tegenu and State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Berhane Gebre-Christos and senior government officials. They held the discussions with President Omar Guelleh at the presidential palace.

Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn praised the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation. He said he is “delighted to come to Djibouti and especially on such occasion- to further lift and cement the all rounded, multidimensional, relationship between our two countries.” He further noted that the High Level Commission will offer another opportunity for deepening and expanding the scope of the cooperation on regional, continental and global issues. Speaking on the growing developmental efforts of the two countries, he said, Ethiopia and Djibouti are “surfing in the same boat.”

The Premier praised the Government of Djibouti for its role in the efforts made at solving regional challenges. He particularly hailed the Government of Djibouti for “the very important role it has been playing to bring peace and stability to Somalia and to the South Sudan within the IGAD framework.” He further explained that Ethiopia is ready to redouble its effort to help the south Sudanese political actors reach a negotiated peaceful settlement. He also expressed that the support to Somali brothers and sisters would continue in their effort to bring sustainable peace and stability.
Prime Minister Hailemariam praised the Joint Ministerial Commission for its accomplishments since its establishment and for its role in enhancing the political, military and economic relations between the two countries. He underlined the importance of strengthening people to people relations between the two countries. He also underlined the need to explore other potential areas of cooperation to expedite the process of full economic integration not only between the two countries but also in realizing the vision of IGAD in integrating the sub-region.

President Ismail Omar Guelleh for his part expressed that “this visit of Prime Minister Hailemariam to Djibouti marks a milestone in the relationship between the two countries.” He said “Djibouti and Ethiopia are strong, strategic partners” adding that the peoples of the two countries share the same values, culture and economic vision. President Omar Guelleh said “Our successes as economically, politically and socially rich nations are dependent on each other and we will use this visit to continue to identify ways to integrate and to grow our economies to create prosperity and security in East Africa.”

Source: MFA

Prime Minister Hailemariam and President El-Sisi held discussions on the sidelines of the 24th AU Summit. On the occasion, President El-Sisi noted that Egypt recognizes Ethiopia’s sovereign right to utilize the Nile Waters. The two side’s discussions focused on ways to further promote the bilateral cooperation of the two countries. According to Ato Getachew Reda, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister, the two leaders held productive discussions in promoting trade, investment, education and other areas of cooperation between the two countries. Prime Minister Hailemariam underlined Ethiopia’s commitment to expand trade ties and learn from the experience of Egypt in promotion of trade and investment. According to Ato Getachew Reda, Prime Minister Hailemariam noted that Ethiopia understands Egypt’s interest in the utilization of the Nile Waters stressing that the development of Ethiopia is undertaking centers on the principle of mutual benefit and based on accepted norms of international water law. Ato Getachew also noted that President El-Sisi expressed his belief that Ethiopia’s development of the Nile Waters takes in to consideration of Egypt. The two sides also agreed on the need to work closely in correcting the wrong messages spread by some Egyptian politicians and journalists with regard to the utilization of the Nile Waters. The two leaders had met in Malabo and New York in 2014 and agreed on promoting dialogue to narrow differences with regard to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam which in turn resulted in the resumption of the tri-partite technical teams between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt.