Ethiopia, Africa's largest coffee producer, has introduced significant economic reforms allowing foreign companies to directly purchase coffee from local farmers and processors. Previously, international buyers such as Starbucks and Louis Dreyfus had to go through Ethiopian companies to acquire coffee. The revision also encompasses other commodities like oilseeds and livestock but excludes fertilizers. This move aims to boost foreign investment and increase local industry competitiveness, although foreign traders must meet a minimum purchase requirement. Ethiopia, traditionally protective of its local industries, is liberalizing its economy to encourage more substantial foreign and local participation in various sectors.
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