A delegation led by Vladimír Bärtl, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, has paid a visit to Ethiopia. This follows a recent visit by the Czech Minister of Agriculture.
According to the statement of the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association (AACCSA) a Delegation of Czech companies led by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic visited Ethiopia for two days, aiming at establishing and enhancing bilateral ties between the private sectors of both countries in the respective fields.
An expert at the chamber told Capital that the east European nation wants to expand the relationship with Ethiopia under the Czech Developmental Cooperation. He said that is the reason for their frequent visits to the Horn of Africa nation.
Elias Geneti, President AACCSA, who officially opened the Ethio-Czech Business forum held at the Hilton Addis on May 15, 2018, told Capital that the Czechs are visiting Ethiopia because they have many interests in the country.
“We see Czechs as a strategic destination for several business areas including accessing their industrial technology, which is over one third of their GDP contribution,” he added.
According to the city chamber leader, their technological expertise will contribute to the targeted transformation of Ethiopia.
There are manufacturing industry areas with labor intensive, robotic and smart technology, according to Elias.
“Currently we are focusing on labour intensive industry where they can provide technology,” he said. Czech is one of the major technology providers for the European market and it was one of the top technology providers on the eastern bloc during the cold war era.
According to the chamber head, Czechs want to invest in the country. “They want the growing market, potential, and opportunities like the regional free trade area and free economy of the country, so their interest is growing.”
The delegation of the city chamber also visited the European nation in 2016, while in 2017 business representatives from Ethiopia have also visited the country.
Czech business delegation visits Ethiopia
Somalia launches constitutional review process ahead of 2020 elections
A three-day gathering on a new constitution for Somalia ended last Tuesday with an assurance from the country’s leader, President Mohamed Abdullahi ‘Farmaajo,’ that the Horn of Africa country will have a new constitution ahead of schedule – before the end of next year.
“We are determined to put to an end the review and finalize Somalia’s constitution by the end of 2018,” the president said, in a message delivered on his behalf by the Speaker of the House of the People, Mohamed Mursal Abdirahman.
Somalia is currently governed by a Provisional Constitution and the promulgation of a new and permanent constitution is expected before the country holds a ‘one-person, one-vote election’ in 2020.
The National Constitutional Convention, which drew more than 350 delegates from all sectors of Somali society, kicks off a review process that will address a number of unresolved constitutional issues, including the future status of Mogadishu and the sharing of powers and resources between the federal government and the Federal Member States.
Though the review timetable expects the new document to be ready by the end of 2019, in his message, President ‘Farmaajo’ said his government is determined to complete the process earlier, in line with an earlier promise to deliver a new constitution before the end of his four-year term. The president took office in 2017.
The country’s leader – currently on a state visit to Qatar – noted that the process of developing new laws to govern the country and replacing the Provisional Constitution, developed in 2012, had taken too long, adding that it was time Somalia had a new political charter. He also highlighted that a new constitution would unite the country, protect the rights of its citizens and help bring about political stability.
Also addressing the closing today, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Michael Keating, praised the Somali government for its efforts in developing a timetable for the new constitution.
“This is a major milestone for Somalia, and I cannot tell you how happy I am to see this day and how proud I am to be the representative of the international community congratulating you on what is happening,” Keating said.
The UN envoy added that a successful review process should be approached in the spirit of unity and reconciliation, adding that he would mobilize financial resources from the international community to add to the USD three million pledged earlier this week by the Federal Government of Somalia to help conclude the process.
“Politically, my colleagues in UN will do their best to provide technical advice and will also do our best to mobilize financial resources,” Keating said.
Others addressing the gathering included the Minister of Constitutional Affairs, Abdirahman Hosh Jibril, who is leading the review process, and the Vice-Chairperson of the Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission (ICRIC), Mohamed Abdalla Salah.
The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Michael Keating, joined the country’s President Mohamed Abdullahi “Farmajo” in calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities between ‘Somaliland’ and Puntland forces following recent fighting in the Tukaraq area of the Sool region.
In related news the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Michael Keating, joined the country’s President Mohamed Abdullahi “Farmajo” in calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities between ‘Somaliland’ and Puntland forces following recent fighting in the Tukaraq area of the Sool region.
The UN urged both sides to engage in dialogue to work towards a ceasefire and political agreement.
The organization pointed out the enormous risks posed by the fighting. These range from the possible displacement of tens of thousands of people – at a time when humanitarian needs are already outstripping available funds – to fuelling instability and discord, which support the objectives of violent extremists.
The Special Representative encouraged the authorities of ‘Somaliland’ and Puntland to urgently seek a peaceful solution to their differences.
Ethiopia Bunna books knock-out quarter final place
It was almost a magical evening for the veteran Woldya striker Andualem Negussie popularly known as Abega. However, Ethiopia Bunna managed an incredible comeback to get through the Ethiopian Knock out championship round one qualification after a penalty shootout.
In his debut match on Friday, newly appointed head coach Zelalem Shiferaw appeared to bring about a revived morale, Woldya was spearheaded by veteran goal hunter Andualem Negussie. Thanks to the veteran target man Andualem, the visitors almost took the vociferous home crowd by sheer surprise. Of course Ethiopia Bunna was the first to take the lead through Nigerian fast winger Samuel Sanumi just eight minutes in to the game. Andualem’s solo effort paid-off nine minutes later with an equalizer then just before the whistle he added the second and the stadium was as quite as a funeral procession.
Back in the second half Ethiopia Bunna tuned to an all-out attack and the visitors hardly made it past their own half, Abubaker Nesru found the back of the net for the all-important equalizer thus a penalty shootout decided. Backed by the die-hard supporters hardly noticing the pouring rain Ethiopia Bunna became the second side to book a place in the final eight next to Arbaminch which knocked out Welwalo in Adigrat.
In the other knock-out fixtures league leaders Jimma AbaJifar faces home side Dedebit FC while in the Southern region derby match Hawassa hosts Sidama Bunna. In good form Mekele travels to the capital to face relegation threatened Ethio-Electric.
Negussie Desta plans a magic comeback
Three months and five defeats later Dedebit’s head coach Negussie Desta returns to the hot seat in the home derby match against in-relegation nightmare Ethio-Electric on Wednesday. Dedebit slipped down from the league top spot to fifth in the table with 33 points. “I assessed so many loopholes in my absence and I will do everything to correct things so that we will be back in the driving seat,” Negussie Desta remarked.
Many suggested the home defeat at the hands of Jimma AbaJifar triggered the downslide of Dedebit for two of the team’s most important individuals Coach Negussie Desta and leading top striker Getaneh Kebede suspended for three months and four matches respectively for a major disciplinary debacle. Unbeaten Dedebit was on top of the league table until that unlucky 13th week fixture and since that 2-1 home defeat and the strong disciplinary slap from the federation everything has gone wrong.
It is a real irony how a team that boasts a number of big name players the likes of African Cup final veterans: Seyoum Tesfaye, Asrat Megersa, Berhanu Bogale and Aynalem Hailu could be left like a ship without a captain following the absence of Negussie and Getaneh. Nevertheless assistant Getu Teshome’s caretaker coaching short spell turned a nightmare with two wins, one draw and five defeats in nine matches.
Though it is just six points difference between the top spot and title contention so a comeback is not out of the question, Negussie appears in need of a miracle to stay on course of the crowded title race comprised of at least six teams.
