Bekas chemicals PLC and Lushan Wintone Machinery Co. Ltd concluded an agreement on June 17, 2015 to construct vegetable oil plant in Adama City, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopian Herald reported.

The first phase of construction is going to begin with 150 million Birr capital after six months.

Industry State Minister Dr. Mebratu Meles, at the signing ceremony said, “We on average import edible oil worth 400 million USD annually. We have to reverse this situation. We have to have industries, domestic as well as foreign investment coming quickly to get raw materials to process and export value added products.”

He further stated, the plant when it becomes fully operational will create job opportunity for 400 citizens and assist in technology transfer.

Shen Yu Xian, CEO of Lushan Wintone Machinery said, “This project is the biggest, most advanced and first quality oil project in Ethiopia. It is expected to lift employment rate, save foreign currency, improve citizen's food quality and also increase the number of technicians.”

Source: Ethiopian Herald