Geneva, Switzerland (Onkod Radio) Ethiopia participated in the Coffee Tasting Program organized by the International Trade Centre /ITC/ in Geneva, Switzerland.
H.E. Mr. Zenebe Kebede KORCHO, Ambassador, Extraordinary, Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva attended and made an opening remark at the program.
Ambassador Zenebe appreciated Ms Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, for the invitation rendered to him to make an opening remark on this important event that focuses on coffee, a beverage that is very close to all Ethiopians heart.
He thanked ITC for its continued commitment and support of Ethiopia through several projects and creation of opportunities.
Ambassador Zenebe pointed out the historical origin of coffee, the unique attachment of Ethiopians to coffee, Ethiopia’s geographical ideal location for coffee production, coffee’s role in Ethiopian culture and social fabrics, its significant contribution to the country’s economy, its importance in protecting the country’s forests and woodlands diversity, the challenges and obstacles of Ethiopian coffee agronomy, as well as the government’s comprehensive strategy to boost the coffee sector.
Regarding the recent comprehensive strategy of the Government Ambassador Zenebe mentioned the government’s targets to address the dire challenges and to increase Ethiopia’s coffee export to US$4.6 billion within 15 years, to increase the farmers’ income to reach to US$3.5 billion and generate employment opportunity for 2.7 million people and its global market share to grow to 1.26 million MT by 2033.
As Ethiopia is in the process of acceding to the WTO, Amb Zenebe requested ITC to continue its all rounded technical and project-based support for the prompt completion of the country’s accession process.
On the program Ethiopian coffee entire ceremony was presented and served to the audiences.
The Coffee Tasting Program was attended by Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of ITC, Mr. Marcel Vernooij, Deputy Permanent Representative of The Netherlands to WTO /Head Economic & Development unit in Geneva, Ambassadors, Diplomats, and other dignitaries.
Source Horn Observer