Indian Company to Open Potash Mine in Afar

India's Sainik Coal Mining Limited signed an agreement with Ministry of Mines and Energy to mine potash in Musley and Crescent in the Afar Regional State. Nitin Wagh, company director, signed the agreement with Alemayehu Tegenu, Mines and Energy Minister. The company plans to produce over 20 mln metric tonnes of potash, creating employment opportunities for 576 people.

EU Offers Support for Water, Sanitation, Hygiene

The European Union (EU) promised over 100 mln euros to back Ethiopia's on-going efforts to expand clean water, sanitation and hygiene services. Speaking at the workshop, EU representation Michel Cat said the plan would help strengthen projects in the sector. Asfaw Dinyamo, water resources minister, urged implementation of the programme focusing on capacity building.

Sweden Donates 48.2M Br to AACCSA

The Swedish government signed a 248.2 mln Br agreement with the Addis Abeba Chamber of Commerce and Sectorial Association. Ingrid Lofstro Berg, the Swedish Embassy's Head Counsellor of Development, and AACCSA president Eysuswork Zefu signed the agreement. Sweden first began cooperation with the Chamber in 2004.

Zonal Office Collects 20M Br

Arsi Zone of Oromia State collected more than 20 mln Br in the past four months. The office collected the stated money from sales tax, trade tariff and income tax, Audit Coordinator Endeshaw Shibeshi told ENA. The figure exceeded that of the same period last year by 2.6 mln Br.

Chinese Oil Company Refuses to Return to the Ogaden

Zhougyan petroleum Exploration Bureau (ZPEB) refused to resume oil exploration projects in the Ogaden basin. After the Ogaden National Liberation Front's (ONLF) attack, ZPEB suspended operations. The Ethiopian Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) disclosed that ZPEB is now in the process of hiring an Iranian company called Oil Exploration Operation Company (OEOC).

Town Collects Over 70M Br in Revenue

The Adama town has collected more than 70 mln Br revenue during the past four months, according to Adama's mayor, Sisay Negash. Sisary said the money was collected from lease and various titles. The revenue collected over the last four months has risen due to improved efficiency in collection systems, the

mayor said.

Institute Loans Over 403M Br

The Amhara credit and saving institute loaned more than 403 mln Br to low-income people living in the North Shoa Zone of the Amhara state, the institute disclosed. Zonal Branch Office Coordinator Shimelis Kassa said the loans were delivered to more than 15,000 beneficiaries in 24 woredas of the Zone. The institute is also providing payment to pensioners and money transfer services to the public in 28 sub-branch offices, according to the coordinator.

India Loans 122M Dollars for Sugar Investment

The House of people's representatives (HPR) endorsed a 122 mln dollar loan agreement last week with the India Export Import Bank. The money will be used for sugar industry. Gurigit Singh, Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia, said the amount is the largest loan India has ever provided to Ethiopia.

Company to Establish Business Centre

MIDROC-Ethiopia and Abdi Gudina Share Company signed an agreement Tuesday to establish a business centre and hotel in Adama town, Oromia Regional State, at a cost of more than 180 mln Br. The agreement was signed by company chairperson Mekiya Mamuye, Dr. Sheikh Mohamed Hussein Al-Amoudi, Abadula Gemeda, Oromia state chief, and Juneidi Saddo, transport and communications minister. Sisay Negash, Adama town administration chief, said that plots are being prepared for the investment.

Japan to Provide Over 7M Dollars

The Embassy of Japan to Ethiopia plans to sign a grant agreement amounting to over 7 mln dollars during the Japanese 2007 fiscal year, which begins in April. The grant agreement made for the first time for grassroots and human security projects will support different projects in Oromia Regional State and the Education Bureau of the Amhara Regional State. Kinichi Komano, Japanese Ambassador to Ethiopia, said that his government was committed to support efforts towards human security in Ethiopia. In 2007 alone, the Embassy of Japan signed 18 grant contracts, amounting to 1,438,190 dollars.

Farmers to Earn 52M Br from Spices

Farmers engaged in spice development in Shereka Woreda Arsi Zone expect to obtain more than 52 mln Br income in the current production year, Deriba Seboka, Woreda agriculture and rural development officer, said. He said 4,800 farmers are engaged in spice development and would earn 11,000 Br each on average.