The 6th edition of the HortiFlora Ethiopia, an International Horticultural show successfully took place from March 25 to 27, 2015 at Millennium Hall, Bole Addis Ababa Ethiopia. The event was colourfully opened by the Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. Also present were senior government officials, civil society organizations and other stakeholders.
The Prime Minister said that Ethiopia’s long-term development strategy envisages agriculture-cantered development bringing fast economic progress benefiting the people and laying foundation for industrial development.
He added that Ethiopia is endowed with vast natural resources that allow the growth of varieties of fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs making the horticulture industry a priority in the agenda of the Ethiopian government.
Hailemariam noted that even if horticulture is an infant sector, it has registered remarkable growth generating huge job opportunities particularly for women and earning 245 million US dollars foreign currency in the year 2013/2014. The Premier also said that Ethiopia is becoming centre of attraction for direct investment in horticulture because of its favourable agro-climatic condition and conducive investment environment. However, he did not deny the fact that the export performance in horticulture has not yet reached the desired level.
The PM noted that unlike the floriculture, the fruit and vegetable production lags and in this regard, the government has given due attention to increase the volumes exported by integrating private investors to out-grower schemes in various development corridors. The under construction national railway project will also become a plus for bulk export of the fruit and vegetables.
The premier said HortiFlora Ethiopia 2015
Expo is an excellent event to promote Ethiopia’s horticulture providing Ethiopian growers a platform to introduce themselves and meet international buyers and partners. Finally, he encouraged investors to invest in Ethiopia saying that his government is committed to extend all the necessary support and declared the expo open.
On the other hand, Ethiopian Horticulture Development Agency Director General, Alem Woldegerima, pointed out that the government has been giving the necessary support to investors since inception of the industry.
Mr. Alem cited that although the growth of the industry is notable, there yet remains a lot to be done in terms of expansion and intensification of the industry against the potential of the country and concerted efforts are needed to make this a reality.
The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) chairman, Mr. Zelalem Mesele, expressed his thanks to the Ethiopian Government for being on producer exporters’ side and helping them in many respects. He also requested further collaboration between the government and the sector.
Participants expressed their satisfaction terming the show as a high level exhibition the sector has ever had. Similarly, Ethiopian exhibitors conveyed their contentment that they made dealings with buyers from different corners of the world.
The HortiFlora Ethiopia 2015 Show enjoyed the presence of buyers, input suppliers, consultants and other sector actors from Germany, Qatar, Belgium, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Zimbabwe, Holland and many other countries.
Some of the growers also concluded agreement on their stands to export their products to different countries.
Among the 100 exhibitors, were companies from Spain, China, Kenya, Holland, Turkey, Belgium, and among others countries. These companies mainly exhibited potted plants, refrigeration and cooling chain systems, water and soil analysis services, packaging solutions and supplies, greenhouse supplies and other services and products.
On the other hand Ethiopian exhibitors also show cased their products mainly dominated by flower, fruit and vegetable. Other service and product providers like Ethiopian Cargo, House Ware Mart, Arrigoni S.P.A, etc were not left behind.
