In a pivotal consultative meeting held at the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) headquarters led by Mr. Stephen Obiro, Head of Advocacy, Consulting and Partnerships, FKE, the Ethiopian Floriculture Producer's Exporters Association convened to discuss various issues pertinent to the floriculture sector in both countries. The meeting, marked by a spirit of cooperation and mutual interest, aimed at enhancing trade relations, sharing best practices, and addressing challenges facing the floriculture industry across the region.
The Ethiopian Floriculture Producer's Exporters Association, representing one of Ethiopia's most vibrant export sectors, brought to the table insights into Ethiopia's advancements in floriculture, focusing on sustainable farming practices, innovation in floral varieties, and strategies for penetrating new markets. Ethiopia's floriculture sector, known for its significant contribution to the country's economy through export revenues, has seen remarkable growth due to its favorable climate, government support, and investments in technology and infrastructure.
On the other hand, the Federation of Kenya Employers, representing the interests of Kenyan employers across various sectors, including floriculture, emphasized the importance of creating a conducive business environment for the floriculture industry to thrive. Kenya, being a leading exporter of cut flowers globally, particularly to the European market, has faced its own set of challenges such as high production costs, regulatory hurdles, and the need for sustainable practices.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from both the Federation of Kenya Employers and the Ethiopian Floriculture Producer's Exporters Association to continue the dialogue and collaboration. They agreed on the formation of a joint working group to follow up on the action points discussed during the meeting and to explore potential areas for partnership. FKE continues to foster partnerships toward the enhancement of the labour sector.