Her Excellency State Minister Dr. Sofyia Kassa officially opened the celebration of “Ethiopia day” at Floriade Expo in Almere city of the Netherlands on September 11, 2022 (Meskerem 1).
At the event which was hosted by the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers and Exporters Association (EHPEA), officials of the Flevoland province, Netherlands, and the Commissioner General of the expo have welcomed the delegation on their arrival.
The event combined showcasing Ethiopia’s investment opportunities in the horticulture sector and promoting the country’s unique cultural elements and values.
State Minister H.E. Dr. Sofiya Kassa, in her keynote speech, explained about the remarkable achievements Ethiopia has registered under the Green Legacy Initiative from which other counties around the world can take lessons. Dr. Sofiya has stated the increase in irrigated farm of wheat production to ensure food self-sufficiency. The State Minister has also invited Dutch investors in the sector to explore opportunities in Ethiopia to make use of the favorable investment climate.
Her Excellency Ambassador Hirut Zemene, in her opening remarks, said ” this celebration of ‘Ethiopia Day’ at the Floriade Expo today is aimed at promoting the Ethiopia’s agri-business investment and trade potentials while celebrating Ethiopian New Year.”
Mr. Nega Mekuanint, president of the EHPEA, spoke about the state of horticulture business in Ethiopia and the association’s efforts to support the growers and exporters of horticulture. On a separate session, Mr. Sileshi Getahun, advisor to the State Minister has made an informative presentation about the investment opportunities in Ethiopia which was followed by an interactive discussion.
Ethiopian cultural music & dance, Ethiopian cuisine, and the colorful cultural coffee ceremony were also showcased at the event. Representatives of Dutch universities, businesses in horticulture, and Ethiopian community had also been part of the event.
Ethiopia is the second largest producer of cut flower in Africa next to Kenya.
Floriade Expo is an international horticultural exhibition that takes place in the Netherlands only once a decade. This Expo has been open since the 14th of April and will stay open until 9th of October 2022 that makes is a six-month long expo.
We wish you a Happy Ethiopian New Year again!
