Take advantage of the USS20 billion global agribusiness: players in the horticulture market urged
Players in the horticultural sector have been challenged to take advantage of the US$ 20.77 billion global horticulture market which is set to be projected to reach US$ 40.24 billion by the year 2026 at a cumulative annual growth rate of 10.2%.
The Middle East imports fruits, vegetable nuts and other root crops worth US$ 12.78 billion in 2022 as Ghana exports of the said products to the Middle East was worth US$ 3 million in 2022 challenging players in horticulture space to penetrate and tap the market opportunities in the Middle East.
In the light of these, Ghana is scheduled to participate in the 6 months international horticultural event dubbed “Expo 23, Doha, Qatar” commencing from 2nd October, 2023 to 28th to March, 2024 under the theme “Green Desert, Better Environment”.
The Expo will provide Ghana the unique opportunity to showcase the potentials of the sector for the needed investments and production of infrastructural development”.
The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the lead organisation under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and Industry will coordinate the preparations of the event in partnership from relevant government institutions during the 6-month Expo with over 3 million participants.
Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, Commissioner-General of Ghana for Expo 2023 Doha Qatar said the primary purpose of the expo is to create a platform for Ghanaians to penetrate the Middle East with their horticultural exports.
According to her, the move will be held to attract critical export oriented investments into the sector through the expansion of production and engage also in new markets.
It is for these reasons that Ghana designed its theme “Grow in Ghana, Export from Ghana” to showcase the country’s diversified horticultural products as part of the drive to draw global attention to the agricultural potentials in the country.
There are sub-themes to emphasize the various diversions of green agriculture and the environment of the event namely, Modern Agriculture, Technology and Innovation, The evolution of agribusiness in Ghana and sustainability.
A total of nearly 100 Ghanaian companies and institutions will participate in the 6-month long Expo and forms part of the drive to raise awareness and exhibits Ghana’s vision and accomplishment in the agribusiness sector to attract investors to Ghana.
The GEPA is therefore urging the private sector as well as government agencies to bring to bear fervent preparations to participate fully in all the lineup of activities during the event”, she said, adding that interested institutions must not hesitate to contact the Authority for all information of the Expo.
