Sudan awarded in top Ethiopia product buyers list

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

November 11, 2007 (ADDIS ABABA) — Sudan, along with other 9 countries is awarded as top Ethiopian products buyers.

The 10 countries which were the biggest importers of Ethiopian goods over the past Ethiopian fiscal year are, Germany, Italy, SaudiArabia, USA, Sudan, Japan, Djibouti, the Netherlands, China and Switzerland.

The Sudan has become number one Ethiopian product buyer in Africa followed by Djibouti.

In the export day award, first in type, held last week in Addis, some 48 other Top exporters and supplying firms engaged across the nation were also awarded.

Winners have received trophies and certificates from the hands of prime Minster Meles zenawi through their Ambassadors and representatives.

The goal of the award is to recognize and honor all the stake holders and countries involved and to encourage and further support their efforts.

The award will enable winner firms and countries to a prior access in different trade and investment opportunities Ethiopia would offer”

Further more winners will have rights to put their names in the prime minister’s “register of honor.”

” the award is a major move that will encourage many other investors to engage hem selves in different investment activities in Ethiopia.”Winning investors and firms told Sudan Tribune

“It also strengthens trade ties with foreign nations” they added.

Coffee, oil seeds, leather and leather products, pulses, flowers and stimulant kchat leaves are top Ethiopian products, covering Ethiopia’s export income.

Ethiopia export income which was 596.5 million US dollars in 2004 has shoot up to 1.2 billion dollars in 2006.

(ST)