Champion Products potential to promote image, export competence of nation: Ministry

Addis Ababa, August 1, 2012 (WIC) - Industry State Minister, Tadesse Haile said efforts are underway to promote ''Champion Products'' as it enhances the image and competence of Ethiopia's export produces in the global market.

Speaking at a Seminar held in Addis Ababa Tuesday under the theme: “Strategic Export Promotion”, the State Minister said it is crucial to identify a produce used to portray the image of Ethiopia in the world market.

He said the produces should represent the culture and history of Ethiopia in the international forums.

According to him, cultural costumes ''tibeb'' made of honey, ''tej' made of ''teff '' injera are among the preliminary options used to symbolize Ethiopia.

The State Minister said policy framework would be formulated and training institution would be established, adding that investors would be encouraged once the champion produce is identified.

Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association (AACCSA) Secretary General, Getachew Regassa for his part said it is possible to promote organic produces from Ethiopia and make a difference in foreign trade earning.

He stressed the need for all stakeholders to jointly strive to promote the foreign trade activity related to champion produce.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) shared its experiences to help select the brand produce.

According to ERTA, participants drawn from the Ministry of Industry, AACCSA and JICA have participated in the half day seminar eyed at image building and promoting foreign trade earning.

Exploring champion product is an idea related with promoting the country’s indigenous produces enter the world market, brand ‘’made in Ethiopia’’ and fuse Ethiopian culture with foreign market demand.