Ethiopian horticulture industry eyeing DFC to expand export base

According to the DFC delegation that participated in Hortiflora Ethiopia 2007 in Addis Ababa recently, there were several serious business leads from leading organizations in the private sector besides government bodies. The exhibition, organized by the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers and Exporters Association (EHPEA) in cooperation with HPP Exhibition of the Netherlands, attracted around 150 companies from more than 20 countries.

The DFC delegation was headed by Mr. Ibrahim Ahli, Marketing Director of DFC. Mr. Ahli said:

"A number of Ethiopian growers and exporters are looking at the DFC favourably in order to bring more countries under their export umbrella. The DFC, which offers unparalleled logistical and geographic advantages as a base will be an ideal hub that can cater to the requirements of the Ethiopian industry."

"Some of the advantages at DFC, including the business-friendly free-zone environment, a supply chain intelligence and a closed loop supply chain system that greatly interested the horticulture industry professionals in Ethiopia. These industry experts believe that Dubai can play a vital role in enhancing Ethiopia's business potential especially in horticulture exports," Mr. Ahli remarked.

The DFC stand at the event received several business leads as well as high profile visitors including H.E. Mr. Addisu Legesse, Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Mr. Tsegaye Abebe, Chairman of Ethiopian Horticulture Producers & Exporters Association.

Ethiopia ships out 70 tonnes of flowers every day but the volume is growing and exporters now are forced to charter daily flights to Europe in addition to using regular scheduled flights. The DFC, with a handling capacity of 180,000 tonnes a year in its first phase, can offer a perfect solution because Dubai being a hub for several regions, offers connections to more than 194 destinations that are served by nearly 113 airlines.

"The Ethiopian horticulture industry need not look anywhere farther for an ideal location as Dubai can offer maximum additional value to the Ethiopians," remarked Mr. Ahli.

Ethiopia earns about US$20 million annually through flower exports, according to EHPEA statistics. But given the rate of growth in the flower industry, the earnings could soon grow faster, say EHPEA officials who predict that Ethiopia will be one of the world's leading exporters of cut flowers within the next three to five years.

"DFC's participation at the Hortiflora Ethiopia 2007 definitely helped to open a channel for the Ethiopians to broaden their export network. Moreover several businesses informed the DFC delegation that they were keen to start operations within the DFC premises," said Mr. Ahli.

"As our international exposure grows through participation in various exhibitions and events worldwide, the awareness about DFC is also on the increase. We are optimistic that this will lead to continuous growth for the perishables transhipment facility in Dubai," concluded Mr. Ahli.