2merkato

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.

The Ethiopian Privatization and Public Enterprises Supervising Agency is to put six publicly owned enterprises as part of its aim to raise 1 billion birr this financial year by privatizing state owned enterprises to private investors.

The six companies being put up for privatization are the Arbagugu Coffee Plantation, Awash Wine Share Co, Bilito Siraro, Commercial Printing Enterprise, Construction Works and Coffee Technology Development Enterprise, and Hamaressa Edible Oil Share Co according to Wondafrash Assefa, Spokesman for the PPESA.

Investors can bid for the six companies until the 20th of December he noted. The plan is to privatize all publicly owned enterprises except those regarded to be strategic he said.

Ethiopia expects to increase its Eurobond up to USD 2 billion via a ten-year Eurobond by the end of this year, Elias Loha, senior National Bank advisor said on October 21, 2015.