The Ministry of Agriculture, the South Ethiopia Region Investment Commission, and the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) today jointly organized a stakeholders’ consultative meeting in Arba Minch town deliberating on ways of boosting horticultural investment in the Region through attracting new investors and expanding existing operations.
The consultative meeting was convened with the attendance of State Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Dr. Sofia Kassa, South Ethiopia Investment Commissioner Atsede Ayiza, Wolaita Sodo Mayor Etagegn Hailemariam, officials and representatives of relevant offices from different levels as well as EHPEA Executive Committee Chair and Vice Chair Persons, EHPEA Executive Director and EHPEA member farms operating in the Region.
Hailing the crucial role the horticulture is playing in generating foreign currencies, creating employment opportunities and transferring knowledge and technology among others, H.E. the State Minister called on new and existing investors in the country to exploit the investment opportunities and the vast horticultural potential in the South Ethiopia Region.
She has also applauded private farm investments in the Region and called on more engagement that would also further strengthen positive impacts on smallholder farmers and the livelihood of local communities.
EHPEA members, including Fri-El Ethiopia, Luna and Lucy Farms among others are operating in the Region with modern agricultural practices for growing variety of horticultural crops for both local and export markets.
Reiterating the Ministry’s continued commitment to supporting the sub-sector, H.E. the State Minister emphasized on the need to drive committed collaborations of all stakeholders to unleash the huge horticultural potential in the country and address challenges facing the industry through joint efforts.
Stating that the Region is highly suitable for fruits and vegetables development, the South Ethiopia Region Investment Commissioner Atsede Ayiza noted that strategic measures have been taken to facilitate conducive investment environment for both new and existing investors who are keen to operate in the Region.
In his presentation on recent events and key areas related to the industry, the EHPEA Executive Director Tewodros Zewdie said that notable achievements have been gained in addressing issues that are critical to promote the country’s second largest hard currency earner in the agriculture sector after coffee.
The Executive Director has appreciated the decisions and measures taken primarily by the Ministry of Agriculture, other relevant Offices and Regional Governments in dealing with those critical issues related to making lands available for expansion and new projects, incoterms, title deeds and land registry, customs and duty free matters among others.
The meeting also raised other important issues on which the stakeholders deliberated at length, with emphasis on the need to work closely and employ collaborative efforts to jointly promote the industry for enhanced mutual gains.
