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Lifan launched its latest model assembled in Ethiopia, the SUV X-60. The new model will be the seventh to be introduced by the Chinese company in Ethiopia.

Lifan has already sold 60 of the X-60 in the first weeks its been out according to sources within the company.

The X-60 is a sports utility vehicle which is effective on both asphalt and gravel roads, sporting a 1800cc horse power engine designed in cooperation with British Engine manufacturer RICARDO. The external body of the car resembles that of a Toyota RAV 4.

Lifan Motors announced that it was producing more 620 models to meet the rising demand for the automobiles in the local market.

It used to take the company more than a month to assemble the 620 models after payment, depending on how long it took to ship in parts from China and process customs documents for components clearance.

Lifan assembles other models of cars but they are not available on immediate delivery basis. It takes the company two months to give out the 520 and four months for the 320 to customers.

Ethiopia can transform its economic structure and create jobs through light manufacturing according Justin Yifu Lin, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics with the World Bank.

Lin launched a Light Manufacturing study that included China, Tanzania, Zambia and Vietnam as well as Ethiopia in his final visit to the region before his term as Chief Economist expires on the 1st of June.

The study on light manufacturing can help guide the transformation of the industrial structure and enhance the creation of productive jobs in various sectors in Ethiopia including, apparel, agribusiness, leather and metal he noted.

Light train manufacturing factory in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is to launch production, Fana Broadcasting Corporate reported.

The LIGHTEXPO 2019, Africa’s largest International architectural and commercial lighting trade show will be staged at the Millennium Hall, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 21 - 23 March 2019.