Ethiopia: Sudanese tycoon-owned companies inaugurated
By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
April 4, 2011(BAHIR-DAR) — Ashraf Agricultural Industrial Complex plc, a Sudanese company Monday inaugurated seven different factories constructed at a cost of 1 billion Birr.
Based in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, the companies owned by Ashraf Seed Ahmed Al-Cardinal , the five factories were under construction since 2005.The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of state ministers and high ranking officials.
The factories which went to function today include two edible oil refineries, an export abattoir, a rendering plant, an ice factory, water and juice production and an animal feed factory.
State agriculture Minister Tefera Derbew, at the occasion said that the huge investment made by the Sudanese investor has tremendous role in further strengthening Ethiopia-Sudan relations to a higher level.
Owner of the factory Ashraf who praised favorable ground for investment in Ethiopia assured receiving every necessary support from federal and regional governments for the successful completion of the projects.
Among the factories, the abattoir has a potential to slaughter 600 cattle and 3,000 sheep and goats per day. The waste being used as raw materials for the rendering plant that produces fish food and natural fertilizers.
Prices of products from the companies will be highly competitive with imported goods.
The company plans to export its products to neighboring and other foreign countries but first will mainly be engaged in providing products across Ethiopia.
The Sudanese investor has promised to build maternal and child-care hospital that gives free service to town’s residents, Sudan Tribune has learnt.
The investment by the Sudanese investor has created Job opportunities to hundreds of Ethiopians.
The Sudanese businessman was inspired to invest in the lake-side town after his visit to Bahir Dar some seven years ago.
Perched on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, Bahir Dar is one of the leading tourist destinations in Ethiopia, with a variety of attractions in the nearby Lake Tana and Blue Nile River. Dozens of monasteries and churches dot the lake’s islands, making Bahir Dar well worth a visit.
The city is distinctly known for its wide avenues lined with palm trees and a variety of colorful flowers. It is also considered as one of the most beautiful, well planned, and safest cities by many standards and in 2002 it was awarded UNESCO Cities for Peace Prize for managing to address the challenges of rapid urbanization.
(ST)
Sudani Logik
Ethiopia: Sudanese tycoon-owned companies inaugurated
Very good for the people of Ethiopia but very sad indeed for the people of South Sudan.
This Ashraf Seed Ahmed, made his money selling over priced cars among other things to southerners (GoSS) with other corrupt southerners (GoSS officials) and made millions in the process (Al Cardinal scandal), he was even jailed and bailed for millions of dollars. Now he’s a tycoon and creating jobs elsewhere instead of in Sudan where he made his money, is very shameful.
To make matters worse, he probably has southern Sudanese partners in this project.
harry
Ethiopia: Sudanese tycoon-owned companies inaugurated
Dear Sudani Logik,
You are absolutely right. This guy made fortune in Sudan and now he is investing in Ethiopia. Without doubt officials from Goss ans NCP have hands on this. There are a lot of resources in Sudan, he could have had invested there, but unfortunately, he chose Ethiopia, while there are many graduates in Sudan roaming without jobs or future. Thanks.
Harry,