Ethiopian deputy prime minister Addisu Legesse has said the government is committed to developing the country’s horticulture sector.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of international flower exhibition Hortiflora Ethiopia 2007, held in Addis Ababa, he said: “ We aim to promote diversity in the country’s export product mix.

This is consistent with our efforts and programmes to help reduce poverty.”

Legesse, who is also minister of agriculture and rural development, said his government will do the maximum possible to encourage the development of the sector.

“I believe this initiative ensures the setting up of a clear standard of good agricultural practice, whose faithful implementation would make flower farms socially and environmentally responsible,” explained Legesse.

At the same time, Tsegaye Abebe, chairman of the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers and Exporters Association, said Ethiopia is expected to become one of the world’s leading exporters of cut flowers within just three to five years.

“The agricultural potential of the horticulture sub-sector has proved to be a vital force for our economic growth by giving job opportunities, introducing new technologies, diversifying Ethiopia’s agricultural export product range and bringing in much-needed foreign exchange,” said Abebe.

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