Italy pledges 300,000 USD to the APRM Secretariat

Italy has pledged 300,000 USD to the African Peer Review Mechanism Secretariat. The contribution will be released through UNDESA. The personal representative for Africa of the Prime Minister, Amb. Armando Sanguini, announced the Italian decision with personal letters to the President of the African Union Konare, and to the Executive Secretary of NEPAD, Mukavele.
As the Italian Prime Minister stressed in his address to the African Union summit in Accra in July 2007, "the African Peer Review Mechanism offers an important opportunity to the continent to improve the management of its own economy and human development and to fight corruption."
The African Peer Review Mechanism is a system introduced by the African Union to help countries improve their governance. Participation in the system is voluntary. Up to now, 26 African States (including Ethiopia) requested to be submitted to the process, but only five completed all the phases (Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa and Algeria). Italian Embassy Press Release)
Ethiopia, China sign 1.4 bln Birr accord

Ethiopia and China have signed 1.4 billion Birr loan agreement to enable the former extend high-voltage electric power lines across the nation.

The Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) and the China National Machinery and Equipment Import and Export Corporation signed the accord here on Monday.
Signing the accord, General Manger of EEPCo Miheret Debebe said the extension of the high-voltage line includes the Beles-Bahir Dar, the Bahir Dar-Debre Markos, and the Debre Markos-Addis Ababa electric power line.
The Chinese government, through long term loan, would cover some 85 percent of the fund for the execution of the project while the Ethiopian government covers the balance.
The first phase of the electric power extension project includes extension of Beles-Bahir Dar electric power line to be executed within 15 months.
The extension of the high-voltage electric power line aims at connecting the Tis Abay, Beles, and Tekeze electric power supply stations including the Chemoga electric power station to be constructed in the future to the electric power network of the nation, according to the general manager. (ENA)

Contestants of "Miss Tourism of the Millennium" beauty pageant arriving here

Contestants of various countries are arriving in Addis Ababa to participate in "Miss Tourism of the Millennium" beauty pageant to be held here this month.
Welcoming the contestants upon their arrival at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, State Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mhamouda Gaas said contestants drawn from 56 countries would participate in Miss Tourism of the Millennium beauty pageant.
He said the contest would contribute a lot to build the image of Ethiopia.
The state minister said the organization of the beauty pageant here during the celebration of the Ethiopian new Millennium would add color and make the celebration special.
The beauty pageant organized here stands second from South Africa's Johannesburg by the number of participating delegates from many countries.
Contestants of the beauty pageant are expected to promote various products and services that would help to build the nation's image during their 15 days stay here. (ENA)

Almeda Textile Factory undertaking expansion works with 176mln birr

Almeda Textile Factory is undertaking expansion works with 176 million birr, according to Endowment Fund for the Rehabilitation of Tigray (EFFORT).
Factory Public Relations Head, Getaneh Kassa, told WIC that the factory is undertaking the expansion work in order to become globally competitive and boost the volume and quality of its produces.
Though Almeda has been exporting plain fabrics to Europe and US markets for sometime now, it would soon shift towards producing ready made clothes as the former are not profitable, he said.
As part of the expansion program the factory will train workers, 200 of whom were trained last Sunday, it was indicated.
Upon completion of the expansion works, the factory would employ 4,000 new workers in addition to the 2,700 employees, the head pointed out. (WIC)

ETC installing wireless network system to benefit over 81,000 customers

Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) has reportedly been installing a wireless network system that benefits more than 81,000 customers.
ETC South East Region Manager, Teferi Zewde, told WIC today that the network under installation in 64 urban and rural kebeles of Oromia, Amhara and Afar states was launched last July.
The first round networking that benefits 55,000 customers would be finalized this budget year, while the second round will follow to benefit 26,500 in 58 rural towns.
In addition, installation of digital telephone to 10 towns that started last year has resumed, he indicated.
Efforts are also underway to finalize mobile phone expansion activities launched last fiscal year, the manager said, adding that a system which could help provide 170,000 new mobile phones would also be undertaken.
The manager further indicated that Optical Multi Service Access Network project will be carried out in Adama and Bishoftu towns and added that the region is making concerted efforts to make all kebeles access rural telephone and internet services. (WIC)

Indian Embassy organizes Indian Film Week

As part of the various activities the Indian Embassy is undertaking to commemorate the 60th year of India's Independence and the Ethiopian millennium, the Embassy has organized an Indian Film Week from October 26 - November 2, 2007 that is to be held at the National Theatre.
Seven films will be screened during the week featuring big Bollywood names such as Shahrukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and the Miss World 2004 Aishwarya Rai. (Press Release)