Ghana To Export Flowers

The acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited says the country has the potential to compete with leading flower exporting countries.

The growing interest in horticultural exports in the country does not match the search for diversified non-traditional agricultural exports in order to increase foreign exchange earnings.

Ebenezer Erasmus Okpoti Koney said the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, collaboration with Export Development & Investment Fund (EDIF), is providing a platform to promote horticulture export.

Mr. Koney noted: “We are more determined to complete further preparations for this to happen.”

In line with this, facilities in the form of mobile pavilions named ‘export zone’ have been introduced at the on-going trade fair.

“Our abundant sunshine, fertile lands and eager farmers are looking for opportunities to give Kenya and other leading fruits flowers and vegetable exporting nations stiff competition,” he told CITY & BUSINESS GUIDE.

The CEO, who intends to hold a flower, vegetable and fruit fair at the site, was optimistic it would develop into a regular agro-based exhibition to promote the sector.

The international market for flowers constitutes a small per cent of the total world trade yet Ghana is determined to get a fair share of this market.

Developing countries such as Ghana are expected to have a comparative advantage in the production of flowers and perform well in export markets, he added.

The target market for the export of flower, fruit and vegetable, Mr. Koney mentioned, would be the western world.

Explaining further, Mr. Koney said: “If they come and do not like our packaging but recognize we have the potential they would bring their technology and then we will move forward.”

Research is being conducted around the world to develop laboratory-tested technologies that will enhance productivity, quality and shelf-life of the flowers.