President Opens Horticulture Trade Fair by 117 Exhibitors from 60 Countries

Addis Ababa March 13/2019 A three-day international floriculture and horticulture trade fair, which attracted 117 exhibitors from 60 countries, opened here today.

Opening the trade fair, President Sahlework Zewdie said horticulture is a labor intensive sector that creates many new jobs, besides its huge capacity in providing food and foreign currency.

The president revealed that “the sector is among the top four hard currency generators to the national economy.”

According to her, “it has also created meaningful employment opportunities for our youth, both skilled and non-skilled ones, particularly women.”

President Sahlework further stated that the “government is taking measures to improve ease of doing business in the country.”

Ethiopian Horticultural Producer-Exporters Association (EHPEA) Chairman, Zelalem Messele, said "Ethiopia is now the second largest exporter of horticulture to Europe from Africa."

The horticulture sector, with almost all certified producers in relation to environment impact and social responsibility, has created 100,000 jobs and enabled the country to earn about 300 million USD annually, he added.

He called on the government to support the sector to avail land and improve the overall business climate.

Trade and Industry State Minister Misganu Arga stated that Ethiopia’s countless opportunities for horticulture are untouched.

"The country's fast growing economy, abundant competitive labor, access and proximity to global markets make it ideal for investment," he noted.

In addition to the close to 50 million active labor force and logistics service by Ethiopian Airlines, the government is bringing peace and improving ease of doing business in Ethiopia, State Minister Misganu added.

The organizer of the trade fair, EHPEA, has 119 members operating locally and globally.