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Alliance Transport Service S.C, Ethiopia signed an agreement for the import of 50 buses with Chinese manufacturer Xiamen King Long Automotive Industry. The deal was agreed for 72 million birr.

The agreement stipulated that parts of the pass including the engine will come from British company Kemens Engine with Xiamen handling the bodywork and assembly of the buses.

The buses, expected to arrive in three months, will have the capacity to seat up to 100 people offering modern conveniences and comfort to travelers according to officials from Alliance.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is considering a new bill to certify the competence of exporters, importers, wholesalers and retailers in the IT and electronic sector in Ethiopia.

The bill has been sent to the Ethiopian Information and Communications Technology group for review.

The new will bill require industry operators to hire a range of professionals from various fields including technicians to maintain and service electronic and IT equipment to receive accreditation.

Diageo plc plans to increase its share of Ethiopia’s beer market from 15% to 50% as it finalizes its takeover of Meta Ambo Brewery, Ethiopia. The international liquor manufacturer would like to develop the business and overcome the competition in Ethiopia said Ekwunife Okoli, Head of African regional markets for Diageo.

Diageo will invest in enhancing capacity to increase supply according to Nick Blazquez, President for Diageo Africa. The producer expects to introduce other of its products to Ethiopia he noted.

Annual inflation rate in Ethiopia fell to 35.9% in December following a decline in some food costs reported the Ethiopian Central Statistical Agency.

Prices increased by 1.7% during December with food prices climbing by just 0.2% due to a decrease in the price of some pulses and cereals said the Agency.