A special advisor with the ministry, Fantaye Biftu said the country has a highly favourable agro climatic condition to grow all varieties of roses, summer flowers, pot plants, shrubs and trees.

Fantaye was speaking here on Monday at a relevant discussion organized by the Association for Horticulture Producers and Exporters. A 15-member Swedish delegation took part in the discussion

He said floriculture green house coverage is expected to reach 1,000 hectares by mid 2008. Leaving aside the new investors coming to the sector, with existing investors land holding, it is expected that green house coverage will reach 2,000 hectares in the coming 2 to 3 years.

Some 70 per cent of the country's flower products is exported to the Netherlands while 10-15 per cent is exported to Germany.

He said there is a need to diversify the market and expand the export to other European countries.

The discussion would help promote Ethiopian horticulture products to Sweden and other Scandinavian countries.

Association chairperson, Tsegaye Abebe on his part said members of the delegation have visited flower farms during the past two days.

The association shared experiences with the Swedish delegation. The flowers are expected to get market demand in Sweden.

Preparations are underway to export flowers to the U.S and other countries.

First Secretary of the embassy, Mia HALLÉN said on the occasion that Ethiopia and Sweden have an age long relations. However, there is a limited trade tie between the two countries.

HALLÉN said the existing floriculture development would contribute share in the economic growth of the country.

R--3:15-3:25pm

E--3:29pm

---END---