Senator Ellis to Lead Texas Delegation to Ethiopia
01/30/2007
Senator Ellis to Lead
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Focus on securing Lucy archeological for 2007 exhibit, expand dialogue on economic development opportunities
(Austin)//Senator Rodney Ellis announced today that he will lead a distinguished delegation from the public and private sector to Ethiopia for an nine-day mission from Feb. 3 - 11. The delegation will further outreach between Texas and Ethiopia, and continue discussions regarding the upcoming Lucy archeological exhibit to premiere at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Discovered in 1974, "Lucy," a 3.2 million-year-old hominid, is thought to be one of mankind’s earliest ancestors, and is a world-acclaimed Ethiopian archaeological find. The exhibition will include the fossilized remains of Lucy, scientific casts of other major fossil finds from Ethiopia, and will trace the physical and cultural changes of human ancestors from 5 million years ago through the late 20th century.
"This trip is an exciting opportunity to strengthen Texas ties to Ethiopia and to finalize the remaining details for the Lucy exhibit schedule for later this summer," said Senator Ellis. "I have the honor of representing a vibrant and diverse city, and this trip a vitally important event for the City of Houston and the Houston Museum of Natural Science."
The mission to Ethiopia will also provide state and business leaders with an opportunity to explore future business opportunities. In 2005, Texas exports to Ethiopia totaled $39,484,818 including crop production and processed foods, printing and related products, machinery and transportation equipment; "The City of Houston will benefit enormously from the exhibition of the Lucy archeological exhibit and expanded trade with Ethiopia," said Senator Ellis. "I am very proud of the City of Houston and the Houston Museum of Natural Science for being able to organize such an important exhibition," Senator Ellis said.
During the trip, Senator Ellis and the delegation will meet with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, the President of Ethiopia, the Minister of Culture & Tourism of Ethiopia, U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia and many others.
In addition to Senator Ellis, the Texas delegation includes Joel A. Bartsch (President, Houston Museum of Natural Science), former U.S. Ambassador Tibor Nagy, Judge Jeff Mosley (President, Greater Houston Partnership), T. H. Gezahgen Kebede (President, Ethio-American Trade & Investment Council), Dr. Dirk Van Turenhout, Mrs. Lisa Rebori and several other representatives of the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
