Yesterday, a Japanese company, Toppan Gravity, announced that they were opening a security printing press company in Addis Ababa. For this opening, Toppan Gravity is collaborating with Ethiopian Investment Holdings, Berhanena Selam Printing Press Enterprises, and Educational Materials Production and Distribution Enterprises.
High-ranking officials from both Ethiopia and Japan were present when the companies laid the foundation stone for the factory in Bole Lami Industrial Park. This location is provided by the Ethiopian Industrial Parks Development Corporation.
In recent months, Ethiopian government took several measures pointing towards liberalization of economy and collaboration with foreign investors. This week, the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) made an important announcement. This announcement was regarding foreign companies operating within industrial parks in Ethiopia. EIC changed its policy in April. Companies operating in the industrial parks are now allowed to sell up to 50% of their products to the local Ethiopian market. According to the Ethiopian government officials, the goal of this move is to encourage more foreign companies to invest in the industrial parks of Ethiopia. The parks were built to attract foreign direct investment and increase the earnings of foreign currency of Ethiopia.
Finance Minister of Ethiopia, Ahmed Shide, says that this new security printing press is very important for keeping all official documents confidential. He also believes that it is a significant development for the entire country.
“Ethiopia has faced restrictions because of outdated technology used for printing various documents abroad. This new printing press is crucial for updating the industry and moving towards digital processes. This new printing press will improve the secure printing standards as well. We believe that enhanced security measures will be integrated with this printing press,” stated Ahmed.
This security printing factory aims to offer citizens efficient and error-free original documents like smart micro ID cards and electronic passports in the near future, he further explained.
Selamawit Dawit, General Director of the Immigration and Citizenship Service, said that having this new high-tech printing press in Ethiopia will make a big difference in solving the problems caused by the lack of passports and the frustrating long wait times during airport check-in and check-out procedures.
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What I don’t understand is how a printing press thats created for processing confidential information is secured and its partially owned by China. Its like me giving you access to my email and saying don’t use my email account to send any messages. Anything to do with the country’s security, how is it that you allow a joint establishment. It just doesn’t make sense to me. “Chinese privilege” is what I call it.
Your comments very insightful