Capital

History unearthed in Tigray Is legend to become fact?

By Tesfu Telahoun

Sudanese, Kenyan and Ethiopian pastoralists resolve recurring conflicts

By Addis Mulumgeta

Maersk Line to enter Ethiopia Exports’ transport cost cut by 50%

By Andualem Sisay

Teddy visit Abebech Gobena

By Kirubel Tadesse

Dashen Bank to launch MasterCard

By Muluken Yewondwossen

Ethiopian leases two B747-200 freighter aircraft

By our staff reporter

United Bank profits 86.9 mln birr before tax

By Muluken Yewondewosen

MORE
Organic liquid fertilizer to be produced locally

By Kirubel Tadesse

Israeli-Palestinian joint venture launched

By Andualem Sisay

U.K. Ambassador concludes tenure

By Tesfu Telahoun

Amhara region enjoys increased investment

By Andualem Sisay

238 Ethiopians benefit from Operation Smile

By Tewedage Sintayehu

UNCTAD Ethiopia’s rank slips in global trade

By Andualem Sisay

Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority undertakes 454 mln ETB project

By Addis Mulugeta

Angola Embassy donates school supplies

By Muluken Yewondwossen

Non-immigrant US visa application goes online

By Kirubel Tadesse

KK becomes exclusive dealer of Sany Heavy Industry

By Kirubel Tadesse

bmi Takes Off from Addis Ababa

By our staff reporter

US embassy to build computer lab for ENDF

By Muluken Yewondwossen

GIS Day marked in Ethiopia

By Muluken Yewondwossen

Three million out-of-school children to be enrolled

By Addis Mulugeta

World Philosophy Day celebrated at Addis Ababa University

By Addis Mulugeta

Training for exhibitors at 12th ACITF

By Addis Mulugeta

Foreign Minister lobbies against Boundary Commission’s deadline

By Tewedage Sintayehu

World Bank makes ACCA Approved Employer Scheme

By our staff reporter

History unearthed in Tigray Is legend to become fact?

By Tesfu Telahoun

A major archeological find has been unearthed at a location just outside the small town of Wukro, located about 40 kms north of Mekelle, capital of Tigray region. Sources exclusive to Capital disclosed that following a tip off by an yet unidentified individual(s), the Tigray Tourism Bureau dispatched an excavation team to the site and about 20 days ago came upon an unspecified number of clay tablets with inscriptions in Sabean- the semitic lingua franca of the Sabean and later Aksumite empires and the tongue of the Queen of Sheba. The find in due time is expected to add more corroboration of the Ethiopic origins of Makeda – more famed as the Queen of Sheba – a woman who remains a hotly contested item of possession between Ethiopian and Yemenite peoples.
The specific location of where potentially vital pieces of the Queen of Sheba jigsaw were found is reportedly quite close to Wukro Tannery. The site is not without historical significance already as legend has long maintained that it is also the exact place where the Jewish warrior queen also called Makeda; was flung off her horse, dying under a rock avalanche. The queen was marching South from Aksum when she met her end near Wukro – closing 2000 years of Jewish Kingdoms in Ethiopia.
The ancient town of Aksum is the repository of the spiritual heritage of tens of millions of Ethiopians. However this status can hardly be imagined when visitors arrive to Aksum as its current state of development is a far cry from its reputation as home of Ethiopian Orthodox’s holiest church, Saint Mary of Zion where it is believed rests the Ark of the Covenant –Makeda’s target.
Aksum is also important in archeological terms for its unique stelea which lie in enclosed sections such as the Gudit Stelea field – found on the south side of Gundur palace of the Queen of Sheba (the queens are namesakes).
The steles are named after the Jewish warrior queen Makeda, popularly known as ‘Yodit Gudit’- Judith the Terrible. The fearsome queen ransacked and burned Aksum, in a bid to retrieve the sacred Tabot. As she marched south after the retreating Aksumite army, Judith met an untimely death near the present town of Wukro, 95 kms north of Mekelle at the spot where the clay tables were discovered – yet another finding that will allow the country to recount its three thousand-year history.
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Sudanese, Kenyan and Ethiopian pastoralists resolve recurring conflicts

By Addis Mulumgeta

Twenty one pastoralist tribes have come to a consensus for peace and security, through a joint venture established between the Pastoralist Communication Initiative (PCI) and the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), in southern Omo at Gnagatom village.
Kenyan, Sudanese and Ethiopian pastoralists attended the conference and each tribe presented the problems and causes of running into conflict with one another.
According to the Sudanese and Kenyan Commissioner and governors of bordering counties, including Mr. Mark Lokorai Dedemoi, the pastoralists’ conference has been held for five days between November 7-11, 2007 and was organized by the community who conceived the idea to dialog security for the first time in the history of the pastoralist communities. He explained that all pastoralists have a common problem and this conference helped them understand the situations they faced. They vowed to take this message to their people and develop their community. Mr. Lokorai stated that the objective of this pastoralist conference was not only conflict resolution but also a key way to develop and benefit from tourism. He cited that the primary factors aggravating pastoralist conflict are problems arising from all corners of the pastoralist areas, the administrative corridor, and the issues of land and water remaining as major flashpoints.
Mr. Lokorai said that the Topsa, Suri, Gnangatom, and Turkana had been fighting each other for a long period and this conference had been important to resolve their differences.
He said that at the end of the conference all the pastoralists had reached a decision to resolve conflict and promote sustainable peace and development and described that they have planned to expand infrastructure to link the tribes through solving educational and health problems.
According to Abraham Bongouo, director of Apoweksi Eksil Pastoralist Development Association (AEPDA), at the opening sessions, none of the tribes understood each other but the next day they became one and the same people. He explained that the arrival of the Kenyan and Sudanese tribes for this pastoralist conference was very important to change the views of pastoralists regarding peace and security. The final decision that all tribes agreed on is in regard to murder, stolen property, rape and sexual harassment, he said. One of the decisions was that a killer would pay 30 cattle, if someone is guilty of stealing a cow, he is to pay triple, and for the rape of a woman, he will pay 20 cattle, he added. The conference was very successful and a committee from each tribe was selected for further work and development
According to Ato Shiferaw Shegute, the President of Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples, 50 million birr has been set aside for about 12 woredas for health, infrastructure, education and of that sum, 30 million birr has already been provided to five woredas - Surma, Buna, Gngatom, Karo, and Dasenech.
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Maersk Line to enter Ethiopia Exports’ transport cost cut by 50%

By Andualem Sisay

Attracted by the growing horticulture sector in Ethiopia, Maersk, one of the top shipping lines in the world with over 325 offices in 125 countries, is to introduce horticulture sea freight to Ethiopia.
The company uses reefer container transport system to relieve the export of Ethiopia’s horticulture and meat from using air freight, which is costly. “This will enable the exporters to reduce transportation cost by shortening the chain between the producers and final destinations,” says Mr. Ian Fairlie, Area Reefer Manager for Sub Saharan Africa.
“Maersk is currently engaged in discussions with some meat and horticulture exporters on the possibilities of providing packing from the farm level up to distributing the produce to its destination,” he said to Capital, after briefing members of the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers and Exporters Association (EHPEA), at the Sheraton Addis on Tuesday, November 13, 2007.
According to presentations made at the reefer introductory business forum, due to the expense of air freight and its high carbon emissions, many countries are choosing refrigerated marine transport.
Currently, several Sub-Saharan countries are regularly sending containers of flowers and foliage to the USA. South Africa and Israel export these products to Europe using reefer ships with temperature controlled facilities.
Abera Deressa, State Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, on the occasion said: “The freight cost of horticulture and meat products is believed to be reduced by 50 per cent or more if these products were transported by sea instead of air.”
“In addition to benefiting producers and exporters, better temperature control during sea transport this could mean the products arrive fresher than by air, even though the travel time is longer,” he noted stressing the significance of transforming the export of these products from air freight to sea freight.
Realizing Ethiopia’s potential of becoming competitive in the global market in flowers and horticultures and being encouraged by the success of the flower sector, it was a few weeks ago that government announced providing 750 hectares of land for free to investors who plan to invest on vegetable and fruits farms.
From the ever-growing flower export followed by fruits and vegetables, EHPEA expects to earn 1.4 bln USD annually within five years by creating jobs for one and half mln people and engaging some 500 small holding farmers that supply their produce to exporters.
It is believed that the arrival of large international transportation companies with many decades of experience to Ethiopia, such as Maersk Line, will boost the sector.
Maersk Line has a fleet numbering more than 500 container vessels and more than 1,900,000 containers. With its feeder vessels, trucks and trains the company offers door-to-door services.
It was last week that the company announced the implementation of QUEST which will enable a significant reduction in the energy consumption and CO2 emissions of its refrigerated containers (reefers). Maersk Line estimates that QUEST will lead to CO2 emission reductions of 325,000 tons annually when fully implemented during 2008.
QUEST (Quality and Energy efficiency in Storage and Transport) is a software solution, providing a new temperature control regime.
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Teddy visit Abebech Gobena

By Kirubel Tadesse

On Thursday 15, 2007, 48 hours before the much anticipated concert of Ethiopian young music sensation, Tewodros Kassahun, aka, Teddy Afro, professionals were busy preparing the stage for his ‘Abugida’ Band. Teddy Afro arrived at Ghion Hotel in the after noon to check out. “I don’t want to see any banner, just as simple as this one…please keep it as tasteful as possible,” Teddy told organizers who were ready to put various banners of sponsors at the top of the stage. After a few minutes at Ghion, Teddy had to rush to visit Abebech Gobena Yehetsanat Enkebekabe Limat Dirijit (AGOHEL) with his band. What surprised the crowd following Teddy was that, this was not his first time. Although there was the expectation that Teddy would announce a donation for the orphanage, the artist did not disclose if he had made a contribution.
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Dashen Bank to launch MasterCard

By Muluken Yewondwossen

Dashen Bank has won a membership license from MasterCard, will be distributing MasterCard and branded payment cards to its clients shortly. It is to be recalled that Dashen bank had launched Visa card service 18 months ago.
“We can not specify the exact day when this new service (MasterCard) will start,” Ibrahim Dawd, Payment Card Manager at Dashen Bank told Capital.
MasterCard is based in the USA and has more than one hundred million clients world wide. It has forty years of experience in banking and 30 per cent market share in the world.
MasterCard is one of the major credit cards used regularly by people in the United States, second only in name recognition and worldwide billings to Visa, according to information from MasterCard website. By marketing itself to ordinary men and women, in contrast to Visa’s efforts to capture an upper-income clientele, MasterCard is slowly chipping away at Visa’s market share in both the United States and other areas around the globe.
In related news, Dashen bank is to apply for a license from the National Bank of Ethiopia to provide a debit card service for clients who travel abroad. According to Ibrahim, the bank is completing preparations to provide the service. “We are awaiting the acceptance of our application from the National Bank to start this service. At present we give Visa Card service only domestically.” Ato Ibrahim said, “We will start a credit card service to our customers that enables them to borrow money from their bank’s deposit with financial and time limits.”
Currently Dashen bank gives debit service only on Visa card; on this service clients can get up to 3,000 birr in cash and can buy goods and services of up to 5,000 birr a day.
The bank has 13 thousand visa card users in the country. Dashen bank gives ATM service only at 10 Addis Ababa branches and one in Awassa. Currently the bank is making preparations to distribute ten Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) to its branches and is in the process of importing other 20 machines.
According to Dashen Bank’s annual report, in the last fiscal year the bank earned 188 million birr (21 million USD) in net profits.
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Ethiopian leases two B747-200 freighter aircraft

By our staff reporter

Ethiopian Airline signed a wet lease agreement on October 12, 2007 at Ethiopian’s head quarter in Addis Ababa to lease two GE powered Boeing 747-200 freighter aircraft from Southern Air inc., based in Kentucky, USA. The flag carrier disclosed that the newly leased aircraft will serve the increasing demand of export, especially of perishable flowers, from Ethiopia mainly to/from the European Cargo hub, Brussels and to other destinations including Hong Kong.
Ethiopian disclosed that both aircraft were manufactured in 1981 and each has the capacity to carry 100 tons at one time. The lease period for the first aircraft that has already arrived here yesterday is 14 months while the second arriving on December 31, 2007 will stay with Ethiopian for 19 months.
The wet lease of the two B747 freighters is to fill the gap until Ethiopian receives the two ordered MD-11 freighter aircraft; one of the MD-11 will arrive in December 2008 and the other freighter aircraft in August 2009.
The airliner further disclosed that the first of the recently leased two B747 aircraft will make the first flight of its daily services to the airline’s European cargo hub, Brussels on November 18, 2007. The service to this route will then be twice daily when the second B747 aircraft arrives.
In addition, Ethiopian announced on January 4, 2008 that it will launch its once a week freighter services to Hong Kong making Ethiopian cargo a pioneer African Airline linking Asia with Africa in this sector.
The arrival of these two B747 freighter aircraft coupled with the existing two B757 freighters is expected to satisfy Ethiopian’s current cargo capacity requirement especially in view of Ethiopia’s increasing volume of export.
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United Bank profits 86.9 mln birr before tax

By Muluken Yewondewosen

The United Bank in the last fiscal year has earned 86.9 mln ETB in profits before tax. This is a 46 per cent increase from the gross profit of the previous year’s same period. Expenses likewise, increased from 66 mln ETB last year to 105 mln ETB up to 30 June 2007.
The outstanding loan balance of the bank stood at 1.4 billion and showed an increase of 411mln or a 41 per cent growth over that of the preceding year.
The bank’s total deposits as of June 30, 2007 stood at 1.7 billion ETB to reveal a 30 percent increase from the period last year.
With its vital contribution to the national economy, international banking has kept on becoming the major source of income for the bank. In the period under report, this section of the bank’s operation brought in 37 per cent of its total income or 70.8 mln ETB. The bank’s total asset increased by 37 per cent, it grew from 1.6 billion to 2.2 billion ETB.
According to the annual report, the amount of deposits mobilized during the year provided the bank with a stable liquidity base to meet the loan demands of its customers. The bank’s total loans on June 30, 2007 stood at 1.4 billion ETB, recording a 41 percent growth over that of the preceding year.
Out of the total loan portfolio of the bank, imports accounted for the largest share of 24.1 per cent followed by building and construction with 19 per cent and domestic trade and services with 14 per cent.
Total customer deposits recorded stood at 1.7 billion ETB, showing an increase of 388 million ETB or 30 percent when compared with the preceding year.
The major share of total deposits came from savings, which amount to 854.6 million ETB (50.8 per cent) while time and demand deposit accounted for 430 million and 395.5 million ETB respectively.
70.8 million ETB of the bank’s total income was generated from foreign banking operations and the total asset of the bank increased by 583 million ETB.
Income also grew from 126 million ETB during the last financial year to 192 million ETB.
The total capital of the bank, which comprises of paid up capital, legal reserve, retained earning and premium on share capital, stood at 359.7 million ETB, thus showing an increase of 168.4 million over the balance recorded last year.

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Organic liquid fertilizer to be produced locally

By Kirubel Tadesse

Organic Liquid fertilizer PLC has announced that it has finished all the necessary preparations to produce the first Ethiopian made liquid fertilizer which targets to satisfy national demand.
Kebede Lakew, General Manager of Organic Liquid Fertilizer PLC, told Capital that his company has been conducting research for the last six years and has finally come up with liquid fertilizer that has a patent from the Ethiopian Intellectual Property.
Kebede explained, “Our liquid fertilizer has more than eleven elements composed from residues, which is by far better suited for Ethiopian farms when compared to other fertilizers that come from foreign countries usually with three elements of content - NPK ( nitrogen, phosphors and potassium). Even those who come up with all the necessary contents come in chemical form not organic. Since ours is organic, as proven by the Pasteur Institute, it doesn’t have any toxic character that forces farms to continuously use that same type of fertilizer or drain out its resources.” He added that the Ethiopian Geological Survey central laboratory tested the fertilizer and proved that it incorporates all claimed contents.
In order to illustrate the different results from the foreign fertilizers and organic liquid fertilizer, the company has invited representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, fertilizer importers, and research centers to visit the production station in Woresebe Kebele, 12 kilometers from Addis, on Saturday 17, 2007. Explaining the results seen on crops before harvest, Kebede Lakew said, “Taking the pea for example, the one grown with our fertilizer reached one meter and 80 cm, which hasn’t been seen before. As one can easily see, all the crops show growth variations, the ones with our liquid fertilizer are very green and taller, proving that the fertilizer is organic. After harvesting the production a difference can be easily seen.”
Kebede also said that the organic liquid fertilizer has got positive feed back from flower farms. “Considering time, clearly the chemical fertilizers are best to get the flowers and vegetables in a shorter period of time, but putting priority for the future use of the soil and to nutrients vegetables should have, organic fertilizer is a much better choice”, he explained.
Kebede Lakew added that the main idea behind his company is to be able to support the efforts to assure food sustainability in Ethiopia and to save millions of dollars yearly spent on foreign fertilizers.
“The project, after this, is too big to continue only under our capacity and resource. Any researcher or interested institution is welcome to taste and propose ways in which we can distribute this organic fertilizer to Ethiopian farmers. What is left is to produce it in large scale and distribute it, which is only possible if all the stake holders, including our government, are willing to support the research. Investors should also see the multiple benefits it has, since it doesn’t only create jobs but also guaranties unexploited profitable investment, “Kebede Lakew concluded.

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Israeli-Palestinian joint venture launched

By Andualem Sisay

A joint venture between Palestinian and Israeli friends is embarking on a vegetable and flower farm in Ethiopia, which will create 600 job opportunities when it begins production.
SMR Agriculture plc, which is jointly owned by Mr. Salah Abu-Musa and Mr. Maxim Hyoin, is currently building green houses on two hectares of land they have received in Debrezeit, Oromia Region.
“While they are fighting there (in the middle east), my friend and I are eating together here in Ethiopia,” said Salah Abu-Musa, General Manager and Shareholder of the company, contrasting their friendship with the long-time Israel and Palestine rivalry and indicating the fact that the two friends were dining together when approached by Capital.
“Insha Allah (with God’s will), we will start growing and exporting flowers and vegetables from Ethiopia to Europe and the Middle East next year in April,” said Mr. Abu-Musa, who has been engaged in this sector for many years in various parts of the world.
By then, the company also plans to expand the farm to eight hectares and invest in other sectors in Ethiopia with Abu-Musa’s partners in Dubai.
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U.K. Ambassador concludes tenure

By Tesfu Telahoun

Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Bob Dewar, has concluded his diplomatic tenure in Addis Ababa and is to depart on November 28, 2007 for his next appointment as the British High Commissioner to Nigeria.
Ambassador Dewar was appointed to Ethiopia in 2003 where during his stay he oversaw the strengthening of Ethio-UK relations as well as engaging in various developmental political and social activities. Developmental Co-operation remained his focus as the Ambassador oversaw a rise in UK development assistance over his time in office. Ambassador Dewar is to be succeeded by Mr. Norman Ling, who is expected to assume his post in late December.
In related news, British Minister for International Development Shriti Vadera is expected to arrive in Addis over the weekend for a visit to last till November 22, 2007. The Minister will visit a number of Department for International Development (DFID) programs and meet Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Minister for Finance and Economic Development Sufian Ahmed, Minister for Health Dr Tedros Adhanom and other senior federal government officials.
She will also visit the Southern Nations, Nationalities and People's Region (SNNPR), have discussions with representatives of aid donors and civil society organizations based in Addis Ababa, and meet Professor Alfa Omar Konare, Chair of the Commission of the African Union.

Amhara region enjoys increased investment

By Andualem Sisay

The latest data obtained from the Trade and Industry Bureau of Amhara Regional State reveals that the number of investors in the region is increasing steadily.
The number of investment projects registered in three months: July, August and September 2007, has shown an increment of 76 per cent when compared with the same period of last year, reaching 282, with two billion birr total capital registered under these projects.
“These projects are expected to create 32,111 jobs in the region,” says Aynalem Belete, Trade and Industry Bureau Public Relation Head of the Amhara Regional State. Industry and agriculture take the major portion of the 282 projects registered during this period. Accounting for 74 and 72 respectively both sectors take 50 per cent share of the total project.
Construction, hotel and tourism have also attracted more investors to the region. Of the 48 projects registered in these sectors, in the three months period indicated above, seventeen are joint ventures investments between foreigners and Ethiopians.
In the past 15 years, a total of 2,124 investment projects were registered in the region with the potential of employing 402,357 permanent and temporary employees.
According to Aynalem, out of these projects 634 have started implementation. This figure also includes those who are underway building their factories.

Sub-Regions Share of the total
Bahir Dar 49
North Gondar 87
South Gondar 11
West Gojam 41
East Gojam 19
Awee 27
North Wello 4
South Wello 18
North Shoa 11
Areas not yet decided by the investors 15

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238 Ethiopians benefit from Operation Smile

By Tewedage Sintayehu

The conclusion of Operation Smile, a worldwide children’s medical charity, mission in Ethiopia on Friday, November 16, 2007 saw the treatment of 238 Ethiopians with cleft lips and cleft palates, according to Samson Tesfaye, Ethiopia Country Manager. Out of the total beneficiaries, 111 were treated at the Black Lion Hospital in Addis while 127 underwent surgery at the Jimma University Specialized Hospital in Jimma.
According to Samson, a total of 371 people were screened in both Hospitals and those that made up this group and yet have not received treatment for various reasons have been scheduled to have the surgery next year.
The beneficiaries came from all parts of the country including remote regions like Afar, Somali and Gambella. The mission started its surgical activities on Monday, November 12, 2007 after the registration and screening of potential candidates for treatment four days earlier. The registered were checked up by the 100 volunteers for the mission with medical professions who came from Australia, Canada, Ethiopia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, United States of America and Venezuela. Another 50 locals also volunteered for the mission to undertake duties such as translation.
Samson Tesfaye told Capital that cleft lip surgeries take an average of 45 minutes while the time lapse surges to an average of 2 hours for palate surgeries.
Since the establishments of Operation Smile in Ethiopia in October 2005, over 920 patients have been screened by volunteer teams and 467 babies, children, and adults have received life-altering surgery.
The mission has been sponsored by Ethiopiaid, a London based NGO, Operation Smile Inc. The Ethiopian Country Manager also stated that the mission has been continuously supported by the Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa Health Bureau, all regional Health Bureaus, Black Lion Hospital and Jimma University Specialized Hospital.
Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.-based Operation Smile was launched 25 years ago to help children born with devastating facial deformities by Dr. Bill Magee, a plastic surgeon and his wife Kathy Magee, a former nurse and clinical social worker. To date, the organization has provided free surgeries that have changed the lives of more than 100,000 children around the globe. In addition to contributing free medical treatment for children born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities, Operation Smile trains local medical professionals in its 25 partner countries and leaves behind crucial equipment to lay the groundwork for long-term self-sufficiency.
On November 7, 2007, Operation Smile’s Co-founders launched World Journey of Smiles with the first surgeries in Naga City, Philippines, where the Magees conducted their first mission 25 years ago. The World Journey of Smiles featured more than 1,500 volunteers at 40 hospitals, care centers and clinics in 25 countries in Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America to treat an estimated 5,000 children. Ethiopia is one of those countries.
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UNCTAD Ethiopia’s rank slips in global trade

By Andualem Sisay

Trade and Development Index (TDI) of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) new study reveals that Ethiopia’s rank in international trade in 2006 has declined when compared to the previous year.
According to the study, Developing countries in international trade 2007, launched on Tuesday November 13, 2007, out of the 123 countries included in the study Ethiopia ranked 114th slipping down 3 positions from its 111th position of 2005. In the meantime, the TDI score of the country increased from it 373 in 2005 to 379 in 2006.
Indicators in both studies are constructed on three-year averages between 2000 and 2002 for TDI 2005 and between 2003 and 2005 for TDI 2006.
Components of the structural and institutional context dimension are one of the three major indicators that are taken into account for TDI 2006 scores and global rankings. Human capital, physical infrastructure, financial intermediation, domestic and international financial resources, institutional quality, economic structure, macroeconomic stability and environmental sustainability are the areas included under this component.
Country’s openness to trade and access to foreign markets are included under trade and processes dimension, which is considered the second component for the ranking. Trade performance and economic and social well-being make up the third component of the study area, which is used to indicate trade and development performance of a nation.
According to this study, Ethiopia’s merchandise and service export share in indicators of the world takes 0.5 per cent.
Nine of the bottom ten countries are Sub-Saharan African countries: From bottom to top Sudan ranks 123rd led by Guinea-Bissau at 122nd, Nigeria, Niger, Congo Democratic Republic, Angola, Yemen, Guinea, and Cameroon ranking 115th.
The two African countries with the top scores are South Africa, 47th and Mauritius, 50th. In this study the United States holds the top position ranking 743 TDI, followed by Germany, Denmark and the United Kingdom.

Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority undertakes 454 mln ETB project

By Addis Mulugeta

The Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority disclosed that it is undertaking a 454 million birr project to increase the supply of water in the city. It also has revealed that three different projects have been commenced in pursuit of reliving dwellers from severe water scarcity.
The Gefersa project which includes upgrading the water filtration capacity of Gefersa water filtering station by changing the water sewage line is to increase the water supply from 22,000 to 30,000 cubic meters a day. The extra 8,000 cubic meter retained from the project will be distributed to Kolfe, Keranio, Asko and adjacent areas.
In line with the upgrading project the authority is digging 39 water wells in various parts of the suburbs, 10 of which are assumed to be on stream within the next few months.
According to the Authority, 30 per cent of the total amount of water produced is found to have been wasted due to such reasons as line breakage. The Authority, in collaboration with UN HABITAT, is educating the society on how to use water efficiently. In order to decrease the gap between water demand and supply, the Authority claims to have capitalized on increasing the production capacity of existing water filtering stations, and developing new water wells as well as good water demand management.

Angola Embassy donates school supplies

By Muluken Yewondwossen

The Angolan Ambassador to Ethiopia, H.E. Manuel Domingos Augusto, has donated school furniture and one computer to a primary school located on the street named after the country on November 12, 2007.
Located in the centre of Addis Abba, the school named “GANEI” has four hundred children between three to eight years old.
Manuel Augusto said on the occasion: “The donation is a way for Angola to show its love to the people of Ethiopia, in particular to the children.” Manuel Augusto gave each child one bag, exercise books, pencils, and advised the kids to take good care of these gifts.
The donation by the Angolan ambassador drew praise from the authorities of the Ministry of Education of Ethiopia present at the ceremony.
During the festivities of the thirtieth anniversary of the independence of Angola, Ambassador Manuel Augusto has visited two journals, one private and one state. Manuel Augusto visited Addis Admas, which publishes in Amharic and the Ethiopian Herald which publishes in English.

Non-immigrant US visa application goes online

By Kirubel Tadesse

The U.S Embassy has announced that all non- immigrant visa applications for tourist, student and others can only be made through the internet starting from Thursday November 15, 2007. At a press conference on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at the US Embassy, Heather Guimond, Deputy Consular Chief, explained that the new procedures include an internet based electronic visa application form (EVAF) and a new internet based visa appointment system. Heather added that EVAF will make the non-immigrant visa application process easier and more efficient.
“As of November 15, in order to apply for non-immigrant visa,” explained Chuka Asike, Vice Consul, “one must complete the internet based EVAF, in English.” He added that the EVAF process produces a three page printed form that incorporates the applicant’s biographical data into an electronic barcode system. After an applicant goes online, fills out the on-line form (DS-156: non-immigrant visa application) and makes an appointment on-line, he or she has to go to the Bank of Abyssinia to pay the application fee and submit the forms. The three-page EVAF form with attached photo, the completed DS-157 (for males between 16-45) and DS-158 (for student and exchange visitor applicants), passport valid for at least six months and the appointment confirmation sheet must be submitted to the bank with a non-refundable 100 USD, the embassy explained. Necessary corrections shall be requested by the bank of Abyssinia which is currently giving the service at Ourael, Arada, and Raguel branches.
Capital asked whether the embassy is planning to make the form and the interface of the application in Amharic as seen localized in some countries. Heather Guimond replied that such measures can only be taken by the Department of State. She explained that issues which can be raised in relation with the inaccessibility of internet access, computer illiteracy and language barriers won’t affect significantly Ethiopian applicants’ since the number of applicants for Diversity Visa didn’t decline when it fully went online.
“The US Department of State has already established this requirement worldwide in September 2003 to improve the efficiency and customer service and it became mandatory one year ago,” explains the embassy Public Affairs Section.
The EVAF is believed to provide increased uniformity, accuracy and security in processing visa applications. The EVAF application is available on the internet at: www.evisaforms.state.gov.

KK becomes exclusive dealer of Sany Heavy Industry

By Kirubel Tadesse

KK Plc has signed a five year exclusive dealership agreement with SANY Heavy Industry, a construction machinery manufacturer with its headquarters in Sany, Changsha Economic and Technology Development Zone in China. As per the contract SANY agrees to sell its products and their spares to KK with suitable prices in the local market. SANY also agrees not to grant any third party the right to represent or sell its products in Ethiopia unless approved by KK. The Exclusive Distributor agreement will enable KK to distribute SANY products and provide after sales service in the territory of Ethiopia as exclusive distributor. KK on its part has agreed not to represent nor sell other products that are deemed to be competitive with the manufacturer’s equipment.
Amdie Edilu, Deputy General Manager of KK told Capital that KK is now involved heavily in the supply of construction machineries and the agreement it signed with SANY will enhance its role and capacity in the sector. He added that SANY, in collaboration with world number one construction machinery and component manufacturers, is known for the supply of performance proven products which are suitable for Ethiopian demand.
SANY manufactures concrete handling, construction & earth moving, paving and material handling products like hydraulic crawler cranes, truck cranes and reach stacker. The major components and systems of these machines to be supplied to Ethiopia through KK are originally from Europe, Japan and America.
SANY and KK have agreed upon a minimum net purchase of one million USD for the first year. For the second and third year, the minimum net purchase shall be 2 million USD and shall be fixed by both parties after first year performance evaluation of products presentation.
KK Plc was established in 1991 with a paid up capital of birr 22 million and engaged in various business activities like manufacturing, trading, real estate development, automotive and construction machinery supply. The company is currently building a twenty floor building at a cost of more than a hundred million birr. KK currently employs more than five hundred permanent employees.

bmi Takes Off from Addis Ababa

By our staff reporter

bmi, a British Airline, has started services to Addis Ababa. This new service provides the traveler from Ethiopia with five flights per week to London’s Heathrow Airport. Passengers on this new service will land at London’s Heathrow Terminal 1 where bmi has a network of onward destinations to USA, Europe and within the UK.
bmi has appointed Addis Express PLC as its GSA on both passenger and cargo services. The Executive Director, Alasdair Parker said “bmi has introduced its services to Addis Ababa as part of its extensive expansion on international routes. It is particularly enthusiastic about this first venture into the Horn of Africa. The flights leave Addis Ababa for London Heathrow on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday with many onward flights leaving from the same terminal. bmi holds the enviable position of being the most punctual airline operating in and out of Heathrow and provides superior baggage handling facilities within Terminal 1.
As with its other routes bmi has introduced superior in-flight services. These include improved food and beverages, new amenity kits and kid’s packs. In-flight entertainment offers up to 22 films including the latest blockbuster movies. Business class passengers will enjoy the luxury of wide seating with a 50" pitch guaranteeing exceptional leg room. Individual video screens provide an extensive range of in-flight entertainment including Audio Visual On-Demand (AVOD).
bmi is a Star Alliance Member which provides many superior services including airport lounge facilities and inter-line arrangements with other Star Alliance members.
It is to be remembered that British Midland plc, the UK-based group holding company of bmi entered Ethiopia as the sole British carrier operating flights between Ethiopia and the United Kingdom.
The airline currently operates around 170 flights a day to and from its main Heathrow hub. bmi is the second largest airline operating at London’s Heathrow Airport and has also announced its takeover of Heathrow-based BA franchise airline British Mediterranean (BMED).
It is also a member of Star Alliance, the world’s biggest airline alliance, providing passengers with global connections and a smooth travel experience.

US embassy to build computer lab for ENDF

By Muluken Yewondwossen

United States Ambassador to Ethiopia Donald Yamamoto and Commandant Brigadier General Migbe Haile have inaugurated a new English language computer lab at the Ethiopian Defense Command and Staff College, on November 14, 2007.
A grant from the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of State funded this computer lab and two related audio facilities in Awash Arba. These three facilities provide state-of-the-art English language learning environments for the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF). As Ambassador Yamamoto noted at the dedication ceremony, "These learning tools will strengthen the ENDF's capacity to continue its significant contributions to multilateral coalition efforts, such as UN peacekeeping."
The new English language computer lab at the Defense Command and Staff College, worth $300,000 (2.7 million Birr) with its Awash Arba affiliates, features the latest language instruction software from the United States Defense Language Institute in San Antonio, Texas, and will allow students to learn English through an interactive, step-by-step method.
Officers at the Defense Command and Staff College received training on how to operate, maintain, disassemble and reassemble the laboratories to ensure sustainable operation now that the cooperative installation is complete. The new facilities complement three other facilities installed in cooperation with the U.S. government in 2002 at the Defense Engineering College in Debre Zeit. At the dedication ceremony, Ambassador Yamamoto praised the Computer Lab as another facet of the United States' positive and growing bilateral relationship with Ethiopia.
In a related development, United States Ambassador to Ethiopia, Donald Yamamoto, presented over 30,000 American textbooks to universities, libraries, and other educational institutions and libraries throughout Ethiopia on November 15, 2007.
Donated by the Brother's Brother Foundation (BBF) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the books are new and are the same books in use in universities and high schools across the United States. The subjects of these textbooks are mainly medicine, information technology, business management, the sciences, art and literature, and English.
The nine colleges and universities receiving books are the Public Service College of Oromia, the PAN Abyssinian College, the Universal Medical College, CPU College, Admas University College, Queens College, Bethel Medical College, Atlanta College, and Medco Bio-Medical College. BBF provided these books at the request of the receiving institutions and the shipment to Ethiopia was funded by USAID.
BBF is a non-profit organization that provides books, food, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and other humanitarian assistance around the world. Since its founding in 1958, it has provided over 58 million
books to more than 25 million students in over 50,000 academic institutions throughout the globe. It is the largest distributor of privately-donated books in the world.

GIS Day marked in Ethiopia

By Muluken Yewondwossen

The International Geographic Information System (GIS) Day was marked at the Addis Ababa Science Faculty campus on November 14, 2007 where stakeholders, students GIS user's professionals attended.
Senait Dereje, Secretary of the General Assembly of the GIS Society of Ethiopia (GISSE), welcomed the attendees and said that GIS Day is special for Ethiopian GIS professionals as they have successfully formed a professional society.
This association helps to developing the side of Gis technology. In addition it contributes new developmental support for governmental and private organizations that related on these fields.
She also indicated that they are extremely pleased by this achievement and added that all concerned should work together in order to meet these expectations.
Dr. Dagnachew Legesse, chairperson of the GISSE Board of Directors, said in his opening speech of the ceremony that the GIS Day is significant to users, students and other interested stakeholders.
"Even though the interest in GIS has increased in recent years, we still have to promote the profession more in a standardized and ethical manner so that we can all benefit from the profession," Dr. Dagnachew said.
An awards ceremony was also held with GISSE presenting awards and certificates of recognition to organizations and private companies that took part in organizing last year's GIS Day. The awardees include Addis Ababa University, Information Systems Services, Mapping Task Force (UNOCHA), Information Sciences and Technology Division (UNECA) and Addis Ababa City Administration.
In addition, companies that sponsored the inauguration of GISSE were also given certificates of participation. Among them are Geomark Systems, Information Systems Services, Farm Africa, Delta Development Management Consult, Afri GeoInformation, Ethio-GIS Resource Development, Corporate GIs and Image Services. Ato Essayas Dagnew, head of Information Network Security Agency (INSA), handed out the certificates for the awardees.
After the awards ceremonies were various presentations which displayed the multi-disciplinary nature of GIS. The first presentation was made by Ato Abiti Getachew from the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR) entitled "Ethiopia: Natural Resources and Environmental Metadata". Ato Atesmachew Bezuworke from United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) also presented a paper on Maps on Demand. On the event other professionals and students presented their works and held feedback discussions.
The participants were pleased to learn that the young generation is happy to embrace the idea of geographical representations and the use of GIS in general. Then, the chairperson thanked and invited the participants to view the exhibition and demonstrations on practical implementations of GIS in various sectors by private organizations. Exhibitors were AFRI GeoInformation Engineering, Geomark Systems, Corporate GIS and Image Processing Center, Information Systems Services, Delta Management Consultancy, Ethio-GIS Resources Development, Artek Consult, GeoSpace Analytical Services (GeoSAS) and the UNECA.

Three million out-of-school children to be enrolled

By Addis Mulugeta

Save the Children Alliance has released plans for the coming three years to enroll in school three million out-of-school children due to conflicts in their countries. It also gave its conviction that a total of 8 million children will get an education the quality of which has been improved.
A seminar that has been organized by the collaboration of Save the children Alliance, Ministry of Education, international non-governmental organizations and other UN and World Bank officials was held from 15 to 17 November 2007 at the Hilton Hotel as part of Save the Children’s global challenge to “rewrite the future” initiative. The design implementation outcomes of accelerated learning programs in several countries in Africa and else where was depicted during the seminar.
Minister of Education, Dr Sintayehu W/ Michael, after welcoming the participants of the seminar, put forward that primary education for all school age children by 2015 is bringing about promising results and parts of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) in Ethiopia. Efforts are being exerted to send all children of 7 years of age to school in connection with the Ethiopian Millennium.
He said, “The government of Ethiopia has a firm interest in the respect of children’s rights to learn”. Currently, education is being offered in more local languages to enable children to learn in their mother tongue.
The Minister appreciated the assistance his Ministry has gained from Save the Children Alliance, the World Bank and others in ensuring the right of children to education, reaching marginalized and poor communities in rural and urban areas and so forth.

World Philosophy Day celebrated at Addis Ababa University

By Addis Mulugeta

World Philosophy Day has been celebrated for the fourth time organized by the AAU Cultural Center, the University Printing Press, and the College of Social Sciences in Addis Ababa University, at the center on November 15, 2007.
Dr. Bekele Gutema, head of the Philosophy Department says, “We are marking this year’s World Philosophy Day after we have just launched a new master’s degree program”. The M.A program hopefully, could help exploit the potentials of philosophy both in terms of research and teaching. He explained that philosophy aims to satisfy the intellectual desire for comprehensive knowledge and attempts to achieve theoretical and practical autonomy and also emphasizes on an argument of reasoning in the pursuit of knowledge, said Dr. Bekele. On the other hand, philosophy has also indirect uses, particularly Western Philosophy, which is responsible in first nurturing and them setting free other sciences and disciplines, he added. Dr Bekele explained that philosophy, as a rational enquiry into the questions that are fundamental to humankind, could be found in all cultures and could be done in different languages using various methods.
He said, “An important point in my opinion is that African philosophers cannot remain silent in view of the problems that Africa faces and discuss only those issues that are designated philosophical by the west”.
“We must be ready to benefit from western sources as well as from our own African and other sources “.

Training for exhibitors at 12th ACITF

By Addis Mulugeta

The Addis Chamber International Trade Fair has given a half day training session for clients on how they can best take advantage of exhibitions to promote their companies for a second time on Thursday, November 15, 2007 at the Addis Ababa Exhibition Center.
Tamrat Admassu, general manager of the Addis Chamber International Trade Fair, stated that the training is a follow-up on last year’s and assessed, “We believe that the participants have benefited by building up their capacity and performance”. Tamrat said that the aims of participating on international trade fairs is in order to discover new markets, examine competitiveness, assess export changes, initiate cooperation arrangements, recognize development trends and ultimately increase profits.
The general manager explained that this year’s Addis Chamber International Trade Fair will be held under the motto of ‘Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for Change’, from February 21st to February 27th, 2007. 50% of the participants and companies at the fair are expected to come from more than 30 countries.
According to Tamrat, the World Bank, Chamber of Commerce and Ministry of Trade and Industry will present research work regarding business. Regional governors of Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, Benshangul Gumuz, and SNNP are to participate in this special day. Somali, Afar and Dire Dawa are also supposed to participate though that has not been confirmed. He said, “Participating in international trade fair is very important, especially to regional states because they will have the chance to meet international investors and they can promote their region’s potential”.

Foreign Minister lobbies against Boundary Commission’s deadline

By Tewedage Sintayehu

The recent visits by the Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin to Russia, France and the Uk, all UN Security Council member countries, is intended to non-event the International Boundary Commission’s warning to fix the Ethio-Eritrean border on maps unless the two countries mark the border physically till the end of November, diplomatic sources told Capital.
The sources claimed that the omission of the warning in the November 13, 2007 statement of the President of the UN Security Council and the subsequent positive response to it by the Ethiopian office of the spokesperson shows that Ethiopia’s efforts to that end are being taken well.
In the statement, the President of the Security Council confirmed “The parties’ primary responsibility to resolve the border issue and their other differences, and expresses its readiness to endorse the commitments made by both parties with respect to demarcation and normalization but failed to the commission’s deadline warning.
On the other hand, the statement commended and expressed its full support for “UNMEE’s continuing operations, underscored the importance for the parties to provide UNMEE with the necessary access, assistance, support and protection required for the implementation of its mandate and welcomed the ongoing efforts by the Secretary-General towards the earliest appointment of a Special Representative.” Sources argue that this is an equivalent of a negative attitude to Eritrea as it has encroached the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ), blocked UNMEE movement and according to the International Crisis Group, deployed 4,000 troops.

World Bank makes ACCA Approved Employer Scheme

By our staff reporter

The World Bank, a global development organization headquartered in Washington DC, United States, is the latest to qualify as an Approved Employer with ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).
This status acknowledges the high standards of training and development which the World Bank provides for its employees, whether they are qualified accountants, who are already ACCA members, or as students or affiliates who are aiming to become qualified.
The World Bank joins nearly 8,500 companies around the world who are Approved Employers, including ABN AMRO, BP, HSBC, KPMG, and GlaxoSmithKline. Tony Hegarty, Chief Financial Management Officer of the World Bank, said: "The knowledge required to function effectively as a financial management specialist in today's world continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. The continuing development of professional competence and lifelong learning for our staff are critical if they are to meet these increasing knowledge and skills expectations."
Hegarty said that in addition to enhancing technical competence, continuous skills improvement promotes confidence and pride in one's work and enhances effectiveness.
"Ongoing professional development is a strategic priority of the World Bank's Financial Management Sector as we strive to equip our staff to support the improvement of public and private financial management practices in partner countries," said Hegarty.
Tony Osude, Head of Learning and Development at ACCA, said: "As an ACCA Approved Employer, the World Bank has demonstrated that it meets global best practice in the provision of learning and development opportunities, and we welcome them to ACCA's expanding global family of Approved Employers.
The award gives the World Bank well-deserved international recognition for the quality of support and training they invest in their employees."
To become an Approved Employer, ACCA assesses organizational training statements and undertakes a performance review which ensures that ACCA's global training and development standards are met throughout the organization.
Hikmet Abdella Country Manager from ACCA indicated that Financial institutions as well as most of the larger audit firms are either in the process of being accredited or have been accredited in Ethiopia also.
ACCA's Approved Employer program complements ACCA's global continuing professional development (CPD) scheme - ACCA Realise. Under this flexible scheme, relevant workplace learning, mentoring, e-learning, writing and presenting business articles are all recognized as CPD activities in addition to traditional activities such as attendance at courses and seminars. CPD allows accountants to keep their skills and knowledge continuously updated after qualifying.
ACCA is the largest and fastest-growing international professional accountancy body and has 296,000 students and 115,000 members in 170 countries.
The ACCA Realise products and services are the result of consultation with over 10,000 ACCA members and employers around the world, reflecting cultural differences and recognizing the many ways people learn and focus on work tasks, business objectives and personal development, rather than the traditional 'clocking up' of hours on CPD courses.

History unearthed in Tigray Is legend to become fact?

Sudanese, Kenyan and Ethiopian pastoralists resolve recurring conflicts

Maersk Line to enter Ethiopia Exports’ transport cost cut by 50%

Teddy visit Abebech Gobena

Dashen Bank to launch MasterCard

Ethiopian leases two B747-200 freighter aircraft

United Bank profits 86.9 mln birr before tax

MORE Organic liquid fertilizer to be produced locally

Israeli-Palestinian joint venture launched

U.K. Ambassador concludes tenure

Amhara region enjoys increased investment

238 Ethiopians benefit from Operation Smile

UNCTAD Ethiopia’s rank slips in global trade

Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority undertakes 454 mln ETB project

Angola Embassy donates school supplies

Non-immigrant US visa application goes online

KK becomes exclusive dealer of Sany Heavy Industry

bmi Takes Off from Addis Ababa

US embassy to build computer lab for ENDF

GIS Day marked in Ethiopia

Three million out-of-school children to be enrolled

World Philosophy Day celebrated at Addis Ababa University

Training for exhibitors at 12th ACITF

Foreign Minister lobbies against Boundary Commission’s deadline

World Bank makes ACCA Approved Employer Scheme

History unearthed in Tigray Is legend to become fact?

Sudanese, Kenyan and Ethiopian pastoralists resolve recurring conflicts

Maersk Line to enter Ethiopia Exports’ transport cost cut by 50%

Teddy visit Abebech Gobena

Dashen Bank to launch MasterCard

Ethiopian leases two B747-200 freighter aircraft

United Bank profits 86.9 mln birr before tax

Organic liquid fertilizer to be produced locally

Israeli-Palestinian joint venture launched

U.K. Ambassador concludes tenure

Amhara region enjoys increased investment

238 Ethiopians benefit from Operation Smile

UNCTAD Ethiopia’s rank slips in global trade

Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority undertakes 454 mln ETB project

Angola Embassy donates school supplies

Non-immigrant US visa application goes online

KK becomes exclusive dealer of Sany Heavy Industry

bmi Takes Off from Addis Ababa

US embassy to build computer lab for ENDF

GIS Day marked in Ethiopia

Three million out-of-school children to be enrolled

World Philosophy Day celebrated at Addis Ababa University

Training for exhibitors at 12th ACITF

Foreign Minister lobbies against Boundary Commission’s deadline

World Bank makes ACCA Approved Employer Scheme

MORE
Organic liquid fertilizer to be produced locally