ADDIS ABABA, May 14, 2020 (FBC) –Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed has called for enhanced coordination and inter-region cooperation to stop illegal arms trafficking.
The Prime Minister made the call during a discussion he had yesterday with chief administrators of regional states on ways to fight against illicit trafficking in firearms.
In the discussion he underscored the importance of enhanced coordination and inter-region cooperation to stop illegal arms trafficking and circulation within the country.
Effective tracking of the inflow from each source and joint operations against arms dealers were also mentioned as key measures that should be taken to tackle the problem.
The discussion also evaluated the efforts taken over the past few months to crackdown on illegal arms smugglers as effective.
The Ethiopian Parliament recently approved the revised firearm administration and control law to prevent illicit trade and illegal movement of firearms.
Without valid license, the law prohibits import, export, possess, put, store, use, exhibit, broker, sale, buy, transfer, transport, manufacture, train, repair and dispose firearms.
The Ethiopian Herald May 15/2020
Researcher forecasts 139 billion Birr loss if virus related restrictions continue for 6 months
ADDIS ABABA, May 14/2020(ENA) A quick win intervention together with recovery plan is imperative to minimize COVID-19 induced economic and social crises that could cost Ethiopia over 139 billion birr if the virus related restrictions stay for six months, a researcher said.
If COVID-19 related restrictions stay for six months, Ethiopia could loss around 139.2 billion Birr and GDP of 204 billion Birr.
Speaking at the 5th virtual discussion of scholars, Science and Higher Education Minister Professor Hirut Woldemariam said the ministry has been carrying out rigorous research on the impact of COVID-19 with recommendations.
The pandemic has already inflicted huge damage on the hospitality, tourism and transportation sectors and the situation will obviously accelerate unemployment and decrease in percapita income of the country, she added.
Appreciating the commendable measures the government has been taking, the minster said, noting that more government intervention is needed in major areas.
“As you know our government has taken good measures by imposing partial lockdown since the outbreak. We have specially witnessed how the government is determined to respond to the economic crisis through ejecting financial liquidity for banks and canceling excessive tax,” she elaborated.
However, the economic impact of COVID-19 could not be underestimated unless the government enhances more intervention.
According to her, Ethiopia is forced to revise its 10 years economic development strategic plan due to COVID-19.
A researcher who presented a paper on the economic effect of COVID-19, Dr. Tadele Ferede said the economy will experience loss of around 139.2 billion Birr if the virus continues its existence under a mild scenario for six months.
Tadele recommended scaling up of safety net programs, increase in domestic production and maintaining uninterrupted supply chain.
Plan and Development Deputy Commis sioner, Endalkachew Sime said out of the 7.5 million people working in urban areas over 700, 000 would be impacted by COVID-19 in three months.
He added that Ethiopia had projected a 9 percent growth in the 2019/20 fiscal year.
However, the projection will fall by 2.8 percent due to COVID-19 in three months stay and that will result in 70 billion Birr loss, the deputy commissioner pointed out.
The Ethiopian Herald May 15/2020
Three Ethiopian coffee varieties win 2020 Cup of Excellence
ADDIS ABABA- Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority said that out of 150 coffee varieties that were identified for competition, 40 of them have been selected as “Best” and three of them designated as “Highest Award”.
Authority General Director, Dr.Adugna Debella, said that out of 1,459 coffee varieties that were nominated for competition three of them have got Presidential Awards.
Dr.Adugna Debella , noted that those coffee varieties with Presidential Award will have special status in the global market.
He said, as of June 25, 2020, those coffee types that won Cup of Excellence will be promoted and sold online.
He said: “despite the fact that Ethiopia is a land of different coffee varieties it did not properly utilized its potential in the global market for several reasons. This Award of excellence, in this regard, will play its role in promoting Ethiopian coffee in the international arena.”
The competition was made in a transparent way by famous local and international juries, he added.
Samples that were selected for competition were taken from coffee farmers in Jimma, Hawasaa and Dire Dawa.
He said, winning the Cup of excellence will create a good opportunity for the nation to earn better income from coffee market, to boost the morale of coffee growers and diversify Ethiopian coffee market destination.
Feed Future Ethiopia Value Chain Activity, Program Director, Kidist Mulugeta, on her part said that the winning Presidential Award will enable farmers to have international market access.
She said those farmers who won the Cup of excellence will have market link with buyers in Italy, German, France, South Korea, Belgium, and China, Japan, Netherlands and Russia.
The Ethiopian Herald May 15/2020
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
