The festival will mark closing of the exhibition showcasing "Dinkinesh" or Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis) and other 100 heritages of Ethiopia.

Briefing journalists here on Thursday, Minister Ambassador Mohammud Drir said concluding the exhibition at Houston Museum, Lucy and other Ethiopian traditional and historical heritages will move to Seattle State.

Promotion of Ethiopia’s tourist attraction sites, trade and investment opportunities, export items,traditional music, fashion show will be part of the festival, which will be opened on April 19, 2008.

Furthermore, four Amharic films which promotes nation’s positive image will be screened, and arts, Ethiopian cultural utensils will be exhibited at the festival. A book meant for promoting nation’s image has also been readied to the festival

The Minister said the festival is a good opportunity to promote the ongoing overall development activities in Ethiopia.

He called on investors engaged in coffee, floriculture, textiles, leather and leather products export to actively participate in the festival with a view to promoting their products.

State Minister of Culture and Tourism, Tadeleche Dalecho on her part said, preparations are well in progress to make use of the festival as means of increasing tourists flow to Ethiopia.

Nation's cultural and historical heritages including remains of Lucy will be showcased in 11 museums of USA.

The third biggest annual festval is expected to attract some 425, 000 visitors.

The remains of Lucy showcased at Houston museum has so far attracted 150,000 visitors, she said.

Ethio-USA Trade and Investment Council, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ethiopian Embassy in USA, Ethiopian Airlines, Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association and Houston International Festival jointly organize the festival.

R...1:05-1:55 pm

E: 3:01 p.m.

---END---