In a significant move to boost regional horticulture, the COMESA Business Council is leading a groundbreaking Horticulture Engagement Mission to the Netherlands from September 15th to 22nd, 2024. This initiative, supported by the European Union under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) through the COMESA Regional Enterprise Competitiveness and Access to Markets Programme (RECAMP), aims to open new doors for COMESA horticulture producers in the European market.
The mission is built on five key objectives:
- Networking: Facilitating valuable connections for COMESA horticulture producers.
- Business Matchmaking: Establishing platforms to connect COMESA producers with Dutch partners.
- Market Access: Exploring pathways to the European Union market through the Netherlands.
- SME Competitiveness: Enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises in the horticulture sector.
- Knowledge Exchange: Promoting the sharing of best practices in horticulture.
The mission kicked off at the Shanghai Hotel, featuring crucial dialogues and presentations by key agencies such as the Fresh Produce Centre and Netherlands Enterprise Agency. This event set the stage for networking and business matchmaking, paving the way for COMESA horticulture producers to enter the European Union market via the Netherlands.
In his opening address, Mr. Teddy Soobramanien, CEO of the COMESA Business Council, emphasized the significance of the Dutch market for COMESA:
- The Netherlands imports 28% of total COMESA Horticulture exports.
- The country’s global horticultural imports amount to €10.6 billion.
- Dutch domestic consumption of horticultural products reaches €7.8 billion.
- The Netherlands exports €14.9 billion worth of horticultural products.
Mr. Soobramanien expressed gratitude to the EU for their support through the RECAMP programme, which has significantly improved the competitive landscape and business environment for SMEs in the COMESA region.
The event featured keynote presentations from distinguished representatives:
- Mr. Arno Rohde from the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature
- Ms. Inge Ribbens from the Fresh Produce Centre
- Ms. Daphne Braak from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency
- Mr. Andre van Dienst from Besseling Group
- Mr. Eelke Westra from Wageningen University of Research
- Mr. Johan de Visser from PUM
Throughout this mission, participants will engage in visits to companies across the horticulture value chain, including:
- Fruit and vegetable cultivation
- Flower production
- Logistics
- Packaging
- Crop protection
- Import processes
These visits aim to expose SMEs from 11 COMESA Member States to the practices and opportunities within the Dutch horticulture sector.
This Horticulture Engagement Mission represents a significant step towards strengthening COMESA’s position in the global horticulture market. By fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and exploring new market opportunities, the mission is set to cultivate growth and innovation in the region’s horticulture sector.
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting initiative and its outcomes. The seeds of collaboration planted during this mission are expected to bear fruit, contributing to the sustainable development of COMESA’s horticulture industry.