MoF engages EHPEA on new investment incentive rules
Ethiopia’s horticulture players seek clarity as the government works on new investment incentives.
ETHIOPIA – The Ministry of Finance met members of the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association at Best Western Hotel in Addis Ababa to explain the draft Investment Incentive Regulation.
Leaders from cut flower farms, cutting producers, fruit and vegetable exporters, herb growers and hybrid vegetable seed farms joined the discussion. The ministry explained the draft in detail and listened to concerns from companies that supply one of the country’s top export sectors.
Officials noted that the new rules aim to support investment growth. They said they want the sector to understand the direction early enough. One grower told the meeting that clarity matters for long term planning.
Another added that growers need to feel confident about how the incentives apply to daily operations. MoF officials responded in real time and encouraged open feedback throughout the session.
Focus on EU phytosanitary rules
Growers also continued conversations from the Regional SPS Conference, where experts shared updates on the new plant health rules in the European Union. Speakers urged exporters to prepare early because EU markets expect strict traceability and pest control.
Sylvie Mamias of Union Fleur said “the new EU regulations will test the readiness of every stakeholder” and she encouraged growers to follow the changes closely.
Mr. Fikre Markos from EAA explained how Ethiopia plans to improve its system for fruit fly management so exporters can meet EU requirements. Dr. Chagema Kedera of COLEAD explained how the R SAT tool helps countries check the strength of their sanitary and phytosanitary systems.
Dr. Tariku Hunduma warned that climate shifts increase pest pressure and he asked growers to adjust their field practices to reduce losses.
A panel moderated by EHPEA Executive Director Tewedros Zewidie closed the conference discussions. Panelists Dr. Felix R Doepmann, Orlando Sosa, Fikre Markos and Dr. Josiah Syanda agreed that every actor must protect plant health to keep global markets open.
They stressed that strong systems support food security and protect the environment. One expert said “we all carry equal responsibility in keeping trade safe” and urged countries to work together.
Growing sector developments
EHPEA members also reviewed recent activities linked to market access and system upgrades. Several farms raised the cost of compliance as a concern because investments in testing, treatment and safety systems continue to rise.
One exporter noted that phytosanitary equipment upgrades now stand at about 3 million Ethiopian birr (approx US$53,000).
Another said modern cold chain improvements cost close to 5 million Ethiopian birr (approx US$89,000). Growers said they want the new incentive regulation to support such investments.
Industry leaders said they will keep engaging the ministry to push for rules that protect competitiveness. They also agreed to work with partners on knowledge sharing so farms can stay ready for changing export demands.
Both sides expressed interest in more joint sessions as Ethiopia strengthens its position in global horticulture markets.
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