2merkato

Ethiopia expects to produce fertilizer locally in time for the next crop season according to a report presented to the House of Peoples Representatives by the Metal and Engineering Corporation.

The country planned to build eight fertilizer factories as part of its development agenda with five factories designated to produce DAP fertilizer and the remaining three to manufacture Urea fertilizer noted General Kinfe Dagnew, Director of the corporation presenting the report.

It is to be remembered that a feasibility study conducted in the Yayu area of the Oromia Regional State last year led to the decision to build a fertilizer complex revising the initial idea said Kinfe. Currently the plan is to build two Urea and one Dap fertilizer factory as part of the complex he explained.

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoMPNG) disclosed the country will start producing metal in 2 years time.

Ethiopia is to further promote the different varieties of coffee on the world market according to the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office.

Trademark registrations for Ethiopian fine coffee brands such as Sidama, Harar, Yirgacheffe have received recognition from an estimated 40 countries and 113 companies according to Berhanu Adelo, Director General of the EPO at a forum organized under the theme of 'Ethiopian Fine Coffee Trade Marking and Licensing Initiatives'.

Activities to increase the recognition of Ethiopian coffee varieties on the international market are underway in collaboration with Arnold and Porter and other institutions according to Berhanu.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Transport explained to members of the House of Peoples Representatives that it is committed to protecting some of the national market for the national flag carrier, Ethiopian Airlines.

The ministry is particularly aware of the threat from carriers based in the oil rich countries of the gulf which have an unfair competitive edge due to their cheaper air fare explained Diriba Kuma, Minister of Transport.

These airlines have an unfair advantage because they have better access to fuel which has become a significant challenge for Ethiopian according to Diriba.

The Ethiopian government is to exert pressure on mining companies following the dropping of gold’s price in the international market. The government is planning to force both local and international companies that are engaged in exploring gold to start production.