Ethiopia to Produce Metal in 2 Years
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoMPNG) disclosed the country will start producing metal in 2 years time.
Ethiopia to Promote Coffee Varieties
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.
Ethiopia to Protect National Flag Carrier
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.Ethiopia to Push Mining Companies Towards Production
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.
Ethiopia to Put Six Enterprises Up for Bid
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.
