300,000 Quintals of sugar imported from United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the last batch of sugar import, is expected to reach Port of Djibouti October 26, 2014. The order for the sugar was made by the Ministry of Trade (MoT) two weeks ago and got the Prime Minister’s blessing.

According to the Communication Director at the Sugar Corporation, Zemedkun Tekle, the sugar shortage is attributable to farms of Fincha Sugar Factory were damaged following heavy rains and prolonged and postponed resumption of production at three factories; Fincha, Metehara and Wonji factories.

The vehicles that will transport the sugar from the port to Ethiopia departed from Addis Ababa on Friday, October 24, 2014.

Gashaw Aycheluhem, Communications Officer at the Corporation, noted the sugar is going to be distributed across the country to stabilize the sugar market.

Gashaw furthered seven sugar mills are expected to commence production by the middle of the current year and that this will solve the sugar shortage witnessed in the market.

Along the existing three sugar mills, these factories are expected to take the nation’s production capacity to 1.2 Million Tons of sugar annually, which according to the Corporation’s plan, will lead to export of 660 Tons.

Sugar Corporation is responsible for distributing sugar based on a quota from the MoT. Consumer associations and 122 food and beverage manufacturers in the Capital will get 102,000 Quintals and 90,000 Quintals respectively every month. In addition to this, every 45 days 405,000 Quintals will be distributed for the response of the nation.

Source: Fortune