Day: May 21, 2024

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FOCAC Becoming Robust Platform in China-Africa Cooperation


Addis Ababa: The Forum on Africa-China Cooperation (FOCAC) is serving as best platform for fostering cooperation between Africa and China through various engagements, said Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A high level conference on revisiting Ethiopia’s role in the FOCAC and the way forward was held in Addis Ababa.

In his opening remarks, Head of the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Eshete Tilahun said FOCAC has proven to be an effective and strong platform for promoting Africa-China cooperation by supporting critical infrastructural projects.

The FOCAC is a platform established by China and friendly African countries for collective consultation and dialogue as a cooperation mechanism among developing countries, it was learned.

The characteristics of the forum are twofold including strengthening consultation and expanding cooperation within a pragmatic framework, as well as promoting political dialogue and economic cooperation with a view to seeking mutual reinforcement and coo
peration.

In the past two decades, FOCAC is instrumental in promoting Africa-China cooperation by supporting critical infrastructure development to engender greater connectivity, boosting trade activities, attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and unleashing entrepreneurships, Ambassador Eshete said.

Since its inception in 2000, the forum has contributed conducting open dialogue and insightful discussion to ensure mutual trust.

On his part, Director General of Asia and Pacific Affairs at Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) Anteneh Getachew said the forum has emerged as a key player in promoting trade, investment and people to people relations with China.

Ethiopia’s collaboration with FOCAC is crucial, he said, adding that the conference organized to chart out future area of cooperation and strengthen Ethiopia’s leadership in the Forum on Africa-China Cooperation.

Minister Counselor of Commerce at Chinese Embassy, Yang Yihang said Ethiopia is playing important role in FOCAC and numerous Chinese compan
ies have invested in various sector in Ethiopia.

It was indicated at the occasion that the successful completion of the Ethio- Djibouti railway project and its ongoing operation is one of the forum’s early achievements in creating continental integration in Africa.

The high level conference was organized by Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) in collaboration with the Embassy of China in Addis Ababa.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Government, Competing Political Parties Hold Consultation Forum to Identify Strategic Agendas


Addis Ababa: Ethiopia’s government and the competing political parties have embarked on a consultation forum to identify strategic issues and decide on it to be dealt with in the national consultation.

A half-day forum that brought together participants from the ruling Prosperity Party (PP) and representatives of various competing political parties of the country was held.

Recall Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed directed the need for closer collaboration between the government and the political parties in Ethiopia during his discussion with leaders of political parties early last month.

During that meeting, the prime minister stressed the need for setting agendas, identifying necessary corrections and adjustments for policy input, and determining the type of cooperation needed moving forward as it would have paramount importance for continuous discussions.

Accordingly, Head of the Democracy Building Coordination Center with the rank of Deputy Prime Minister, Adem Farah discussed with political party leaders toda
y intended to identify strategic agendas for sustainable consultation.

It was revealed that today’s discussion was critical for the betterment of Ethiopia’s politics.

Adem on the occasion stated that the initiative is aimed at strengthening the culture of cooperation between the government and the political parties as well as instill healthy political competition.

He added that it will create a favorable environment for competing political parties to support the government’s efforts in ensuring lasting peace, rule of law, and pursuing a civilized political approach.

Moreover, in this forum as the first-round consultation to identify agendas, the government and competing political parties have identified important issues that would promote a healthy competition and cooperation in the Ethiopian body politic.

As a result, in order to have a healthy political competition, the building of a democratic system, the support that parties need from the government, the factors affecting the political landscape, the
use of media and the issue of elections have been identified in this round.

The agreement has also been reached to discuss other pressing issues in the second-round of the forum such as the peace and security, justice and human rights, macroeconomics, diplomacy, government service delivery and good governance, inclusive national dialogue and consultation to be carried out in a manner that promotes identity and national unity.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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PM Abiy Says Ethiopia Increasing Cultivated Amount of Land Steadily


Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed shared on social media pages that the amount of land we are cultivating is increasing steadily.

Prime Minister Abiy and First Lady Zinash Tayachew along with high level officials visited cultivated lands particularly, an irrigation based wheat farm in Oromia region.

Over the past few years, we have had the opportunity to expand our summer wheat endeavors, ensuring we do not miss our regular rainy season production, the prime minister underscored.

The premier noted: ‘Today’s showcase is testimony to continuity in the regular cycle. Agriculture requires strong investments, and the amount of land we are cultivating is increasing steadily.’

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Gov’t Sees Dairy Sub Sector as Prime Focus to Improve Livelihoods


Addis Ababa: The government of Ethiopia has paid due attention to the dairy sub-sector as the prime focus to improve the livelihoods and enhance production, according to Ministry of Agriculture.

A stakeholders consultative workshop organized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Ministry of Agriculture and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) held today discussion on Ethiopia’s dairy value chain improvement options.

The consultative workshop aims to make constructive consultations and generate practical and sustainable ideas to transform the country’s dairy sub-sector in line with the country’s initiatives.

Speaking at the workshop, State Minister of Agriculture, Fikru Regassa recalled that the Government launched a participatory, inclusive, and holistic livestock development programe dubbed ‘Ye Lemat Tirufat’ (Bounty of the Basket) in November 2022.

The programme aims to enhance public health and nutrition by improving the local production of poultry and dairy farming, apiculture,
and the rearing of small ruminants.

So far, the programme has created interest and motivation for farmers and pastoralist communities across the country, he added.

For instance, he mentioned under the programme the government is determined to quadruple milk production from the current 7.1 billion litres to 28.4 billion litres by 2031.

Thus, he underlined the dairy sub-sector is given prime focus by this national programme.

To realize this, ‘We need a strong partnership between the private and public institutions and besides, we need the efforts of local, regional, and international development partners, NGOs, financial, academic and research organizations.’

Moreover, Fikru added that it’s important to discuss on the bottlenecks that hinder the development of the dairy value chain from different angles.

FAO Representative in Ethiopia, Farayi Zimudzi said FAO has been an active development partner to the government of Ethiopia, in implementing a wide range of programs in projects to improve agriculture, f
ood security, and nutrition of the population in the country.

She elaborated that livestock and particularly dairy, is one of the fastest growing sectors in Ethiopia, and is also a major component of FAO’s programme in the country.

She reiterated that unwavering commitment of FAO to contributing to the country’s efforts to transform its livestock industry, particularly the dairy sub-sector.

‘Our engagements will contribute to the understanding of current efforts and identify options to build on existing dairy development initiatives by government and development partners to meet the country’s demand for quality and safe milk and its products,’ according to Zimudze.

KOICA Country Director, Cho Han Deog said on his part said Ethiopia is a country with high potential for dairy farming and dairy industry.

Hence, Korea has been supporting artificial insemination of cattle to produce superior breeds, provision of dairy cows to promote dairy farming and improve farmers’ incomes, training to improve milk product
ivity, he elaborated.

‘It would be great if we could identify some of the critical bottlenecks in putting ‘made-in-Ethiopia’ dairy products on the fresh food sections of stores and come up with the ideas of engaging in realizing the dairy development potential of Ethiopia based on the division of labor.’

This is because there are so many people out there who depend on dairy value chain for their livelihood and Ethiopia’s endeavor and path to develop manufacturing capacity, the dairy industry would be a good starting point.

He underlined collectively, it important to work together to advance dairy industry and produce meaningful achievements in Ethiopia.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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EHPEA, Trade Mark Africa Ink Partnership for Digital Innovation in Horticulture


Addis Ababa: The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) has signed an agreement with Trade Mark Africa and Idaptive Data Fusion System PLC to develop comprehensive e-learning and knowledge management systems in Ethiopia’s horticulture sector.

The project is part of a wider program on the Ethio- Djibouti corridor under the theme: ‘Promoting regional economic integration in the horn of Africa through the development of the Djibouti corridor.’

The project is also expected to be funded by the European Union through Agence Française de Development (AFD), it was revealed.

Speaking at the signing ceremony today, EHPEA Executive Director Tewodros Zewdie highlighted the advanced tools for knowledge management and online learning that the systems will provide, crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the dynamic horticulture sector.

‘Through this project, we are investing not just in technology but in the future of Ethiopia’s horticulture sector. Our partnership with Trade Mark Africa will
enable us to equip our members with the necessary resources to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace,’ he said.

The executive director further pointed out that integrated e-learning and knowledge management platforms present myriad opportunities for Ethiopia’s horticulture sector.

Trade Mark Africa Country Director for Ethiopia, Ewnetu Taye said our support for the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association through this project reflects our commitment.

According to Ewnetu, the support would have a paramount contribution in harnessing the power of digital trade tools to derive economic growth and prosperity across Africa.

By enhancing the digital capabilities of key sectors like horticulture, we are paving the way for more efficient and inclusive trade practices, the country director elaborated.

EU Delegation for Djibouti and IGAD Eloise Roux on her part said this knowledge-management platform supported by the EU, marks a transformative step for Ethiopia, enabling it to not just partici
pate in global trade but to excel.

This digital tool opens up a gateway for Ethiopia to compete on the global stage, deriving economic growth and sustainability in agriculture, Roux pointed out.

‘We are proud to support this initiative that not only enhances Ethiopia’s trade competitiveness but also establishes a foundation for enduring economic empowerment and environmental stewardship,’ she affirmed.

Idaptive Data Fusion System PLC General Manager Alegntaye Yilma for his part stressed the significance of collaboration to achieve excellence in the ICT sector through learning and knowledge sharing.

The e-learning platform will offer access to valuable resources, training materials, and interactive modules to improve skills and knowledge sharing in horticulture production and export practices, it was indicated.

Recall that Ethiopia’s horticulture sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, emerging as an essential contributor to the country’s economy

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Russian Institute Eyes Further Geological School Expansion, Cooperation in Africa


Addis Ababa: Karpinsky Russian Geological Research Institute, the country’s leading institution in geological studies, has been seeking to promote and expand schools in the African continent.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Director-General of the institute, Pavel Khimchenko said the program is designed to expand the Russian geological school, promote best practices and exchange programs with friendly countries.

The director-general in particular, expressed his institute’s desire to share skills and experience with African countries.

Recall Russia opened its geological Karpinsky Class in Ethiopia last year, while the Russian House in Addis Ababa became the platform for its implementation.

Moreover, the Karpinsky Geological Research Institute organized a Geological Class and geological exhibition in Addis Ababa last week, it was learned.

Khimchenko explained that the institute has been looking for the African continent as a starting point for the Karpinsky Geological Classes and strong cooperation wit
h various countries in the continent.

And he elaborated that the institute has been eager to see numerous expanded geological schools and the classes in various African countries.

Particularly, Khimchenko pointed out that the Russian Geological Research Institute is prioritizing geological cooperation mainly with Ethiopia, Mozambique and Ghana.

‘Africa is a great continent, there is a huge geological potential, people are ready to work and change the environment around them, and we see burning eyes.

We have already opened classes in Ghana and Ethiopia, and similarly, we are planning to open this class in Mozambique. At the nearest time in Africa, we will be focusing on Ethiopia, Mozambique and Ghana,’ the director-general said.

Speaking on Ethiopia’s unique geological phenomenon, he further elaborated that Ethiopia has interesting geology in its several regions that has given great interest for geological studies.

Currently, Ethiopia has embarked on proper geological mapping to promote investment in the
East African nation’s rich mining and mineral resources that have not yet been transformed to wealth.

Mentioning that Ethiopia and Russia have been enjoying diplomatic ties for over a century, the director-general underscored that the two nations will develop relationships in various sectors including in the geological sphere.

So far the institute prepared lectures, seminars in a hybrid format, exhibitions, specialist exchange program, analysis of current curricula in countries, book exchange, he indicated.

He also reiterated that the institute will continue its mission on the African continent to organize the regular work of Karpinsky’s Geological Classes.

The Karpinsky Russian Geological Research Institute is the leading institution of the Federal Agency on Mineral Resources in regional geological studies, it was indicated.

Its main role is providing support and execution of state geological mapping of the Russian Federation and its adjacent water areas, the creation of a state network of reference geo
logical and geophysical profiles, parametric and super-deep wells

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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