ADDIS ABABA – The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) said that it has been exploring the lucrative and the nearest ports for its livestock exports to boost livestock market.
Approached by The Ethiopian Herald the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) De-Risking, Inclusion, and Value Enhancement of Pastoral Economies in the Horn of Africa Project (DRIVE) Program Manager Jemal Aliye stated that the lucrative port feasibility study has finalized to explore lucrative or the nearest port for the livestock exports. The nearest port is critical in shortening export time, minimizing cost and others.
The additional and the nearest port or ports would be announced soon. These and other activities would contribute to boost country’s livestock market in the future, he said.
He indicated that the lucrative port or ports for livestock export would be announced soon in the presence of concerned bodies. Having the nearest port for export has a significant role in determining country’s export revenue as well as contributes to national economy.
According to documents, Ethiopia with its ample livestock resources has not been benefiting from the sector. The majorities livestock export trade requires moving animals over long destines from one area to coast. This has been encountering difficulties in exporting.
The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have formed an important trading nexus for many centuries, linking ancient trading empires.
The country has been underway various efforts to facilitate livestock export. For instance, the government and its partners have been installing international standard laboratories in a bid to enhance livestock export offering training for experts, availing materials and others. These activities would contribute to penetrate global market, he stated.
Furthermore, the Ministry has been also awaiting a three million USD laboratory materials delivery to equip all of livestock laboratories. The assessment research is finalized to announce international bid to assess the situation of laboratories to fill their gaps. In Ethiopia, there are five livestock quarantine centers.
Since, the pastoralist and semi-pastoralist areas are the most important areas generating 90% of livestock export exchange earnings. As a result, Ethiopia is working to construct additional quarantine centers, collection centers and expand access to lucrative ports, he pointed out.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2024
