Board Members of EHPEA and members held a constructive consultative meeting with H.E Ato Debele Kabeta, Commissioner and Ato Ezezew Chane, Deputy Commissioner and senior management of Ethiopian Customs Commission(ECC) at the headquarter of ECC.

The deliberations includes, among others, the need for capacity building on the rules and customs procedures for the horticulture export industry operators so as to foster due compliance, building the capacity of customs experts on the peculiar characterstics of the horticulture farms and, valuation issues, expediting release of import containers, franco-valuta, and also fostering issues that can further fuel the transformation of the horticulture industry.

Board members of EHPEA expressed their deep satisfaction on the reforms undertaken by Customs and also called for addressing remaining challenges.

Commissioner Debele on his part expressed the readiness of his office to support the industry in a proactive manner. He further reiterated the readiness of his commission to cater quality service for manufacturers and producers to catalyze the growth and competitiveness of companies operating in Ethiopia. He also called on the companies to build capacity and to comply with customs rules and regulations.

It is agreed to meet every month in a structured manner to proactively address any challenges and also to strategize the further competitiveness of the industry.