Dr. Abera Deresa Addis Ababa, July 9 (WIC) - The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MoARD) indicated that Russia could be a potential market for Ethiopian floricultural and horticulture produces. A Russian plant produces quality control team has  come to Ethiopia.

Speaking at a discussion forum held with the team here yesterday, State Minister of MoARD, Dr. Abera Deressa said that Russia is a potential market for Ethiopian floricultural and horticultural produces.   

Ethiopia has the potential to export agricultural produces to Russia, he said, adding that exerting a joint effort would strengthen the relationship between the two countries in the sector.        

The State Minister also pointed out that the bilateral relation between the two countries is long standing adding that the visit of the team and its professional evaluation on the quality of floriculture and horticulture  would create a better capacity to Ethiopia in the sector. 

Director General of the Ethiopian Horticultural Development Agency, Hailesilasei Tekie pointed out that it is vital to imporve quality of Ethiopian flowers and facilitate ways of exporting them to Russian market.       

The evaluation of the team would be important not only to facilitate the export of the produce to Russia but also to boost t quality of Ethiopian flower.     

Head of the Federal Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance Service Department of the Russian Federation, Mikhail I. MASLOV, also indicated that the two countries are expected to reach an agreement after the visit of the team.   

As the initiative taken to export flower to Russia would benefit both countries the team will work to create linkage between the Ethiopian flower exporters and the Russian business people, he added The team would also pay a field visit to flower farms.