Forum brifed on ongoing economic, social activities in Ethiopia

(June 1, 2007 ENA) - The Ethiopian National Consensus Forum in London, the UK was briefed on the ongoing economic and social endeavors launched in different parts of Ethiopia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

In its statement sent to Ethiopian News Agency, the ministry said on Friday Member of the Ethiopian parliament Tadesse Kasa, Deputy Chief of the South Ethiopia Peoples' State, Tsegaye Mamo, and President of the Ethiopian Football Federation, Dr. Asheber Woldegiorgis offered the briefings to the forum.

Tadesse on the occasion said the country is registering wide-ranging transformation and it is registering 10 percent annual economic growth over the past four consecutive years.

He also said improvements have been witnessed in different parts of the nation and hoped that the county would register more success in the near future.

Ethiopia keen to attract FDI in leather sector: BBC

(June 1, 2007, ENA) - Taytu, a conglomeration of 12 Ethiopian leather companies backed by United Nations Industrial Development (UNIDO), prepares to export its autumn/winter collection for sale in fashion boutiques in France, Italy and Japan, BBC reported. It is hoped the quality leather products will highlight Ethiopia's historical and cultural heritage.

Like Ethiopia's emerging horticulture industry, the government is keen to draw international private investors into the leather sector, by offering incentives, tax holidays and access to finance, the report said.

Reporting about Ethiopia’s leather industry Thursday, BBC said it is the first luxury designer label to emerge from Ethiopia.

Intent on creating a skilled labour force capable of taking the industry forward, the Ethiopian government has set up a technical Institute specialising in leather and leather products, the report said.

Ethiopia is the 10th largest producer of livestock in the world, and by far the biggest in Africa with some 78 million cattle, sheep and goats.

An ambitious five-year business plan, drawn up in conjunction between Ethiopia's trade and industry ministry and UNIDO, sets a target of $220m by 2010. For 2012, the target is even higher.

Revision towards child friendly laws

Setting up a legal framework conducive to the respect, protection and promotion of the rights of the child and expressing commitment to international, regional and national human rights instruments are significant steps in the endeavour towards creating a better world for children.
It is in view of this objective that the Centre organized a workshop for about sixty participants drawn from the legislator, the judiciary, the executive organs and other stakeholders. The themes of this one-day workshop which will be held on the 31st of May 2007 are;
- the right of bail in relation to sexual abuses committed against children,
- the use of DNA tests to prove paternity and
- emancipation of minors from the custody of their guardians.

The CLPC would like to seize this opportunity to express its readiness to continue organizing similar forums on other issues of importance with a view to promote consistent application and interpretation of laws in line with the best interest of the child. (Press release May 31, 2007)

ICG to discuss over Somalia issues

( May 31, 2007, ENA) - The International Contact Group (ICG) on Somalia will meet in London on 5-6 June to discuss the current situation in Somalia,
SomaliNet reported on Wednesday quoting the London based Sharqal Awsat newspaper as saying. The delegates of the coming meeting will consider how to provide technical and financial support to the transitional federal government led by President Abdulahi Yusuf Ahmed.
Sources from Arab and Somali diplomats say that the meeting will review a request submitted by countries and organizations include Egypt, Yemen, Canada and OIC over the membership of the contact group.

CBE opens branches in Dukem, Robe towns

The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) has opened its 187th branch in Dukem town, some 37 Km. away to the East of Addis Ababa on May 26, 2007.
The opening of CBE's branch in this industrial town would help render rapid and efficient banking services to inhabitants and business community of the town, President of CBE, Abie Sano said on the occasion.
Abie said that the newly inaugurated branch would facilitate and further accelerate the development man oeuvres of the town, which has nine small scale and medium industries with a total capital of 11.84 billion Birr.
Meanwhile, CBE has opened its 188th branch in Robe town, Bale zone of Orom1a National Regional State on June 2, 2007.
Worku also stated that the newly opened branch will playa meaningful role in fac1litatiilg the agricultural endeavors of Bale zone, which is best known for its bumper cereal, pulses and spices production. (Press release, May 26, 2007)