The Ethiopian Agricultural Authority (EAA) and the Netherlands Centre for the Promotion of Imports (CBI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which aims to increase the competitiveness of Ethiopian agricultural products on the international market. CBI is an agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands that contributes to sustainable and inclusive economic development in developing countries by expanding exports from these countries to Europe.

The project, which was started by CBI, aims to improve the regulatory functions of the industry, promote small and medium-sized businesses, and foster an export-friendly environment in order to increase the sustainability and competitiveness of the Ethiopian fruit and vegetable sector. The sector will aslo receive support from partners such as the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters’ Association to access international markets, ensure food safety, quality, and phytosanitary aspects, and uphold Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The horticulture export industry is still relatively new, but in the last ten years it has grown rather rapidly. Currently, 10,897.21hectars of land are taken up by the flower, fruit, vegetable, and herb farms and 199,640 people are employed in the horticultural industry. There are 126 investments in the export of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Local investors (46), direct foreign investors (76), joint venture partnerships (3), and the Development Bank of Ethiopia (1) make up the ownership of farms.

Source (including image): Fana BC

Additional source: Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters’ Association