Rwanda to participate in Amsterdam's 14th international floriculture trade fair #rwanda #RwOT

This year, Rwanda will be represented by its Embassy in the Netherlands, the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) and Bella Flowers.

Last year, the Export and Innovation Department of NAEB stated that the trade fair is an opportunity for Rwanda to expand its market to the international scene.

In an interview with IGIHE, Rwanda's former Ambassador to the Netherlands, Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, confirmed that the trade fair enhances the value of Rwandan flowers in different markets.
'We firmly believe that the flower farming and trading sector, which we started less than ten years ago, will continue to grow,' he said.

"As we continue to expand, so will the market for our flowers. This is crucial for the growth of the flower business, especially as we still import flower seeds from other countries. It is important for the government to establish research mechanisms that will allow us to produce our own seeds," he added.

In an interview with IGIHE, Rwanda's former Ambassador to the Netherlands Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe confirmed that this trade fair enhances the value of Rwandan flowers globally.

NAEB statistics on flower farming in Rwanda show that over 23 million rose stems and more than 8 million summer flowers were exported from Rwanda in 2022-2023, generating $4.5 million in revenue. Additionally, 98% of these flowers were sent to the Netherlands, with expanding markets in Australia and the United Kingdom.

Last year, Rwandan representatives from different companies involved in flower farming and trading, such as Duhamic-Adri and Bright Harvest, expressed their satisfaction with participating in the event.

The CEO of Bright Harvest, Karemera Annonciathe, said that it was her first time attending the trade fair, and it left her with valuable insights, including discovering new types of flowers that could be grown in Rwanda.

'It was my first time attending this event, and I was impressed to find that flowers are a significant investment. I realized that we are missing out on many varieties of flowers that are on demand at the international market. This motivated me to think about producing new types of flowers in Rwanda,' she said.

The CEO of Bright Harvest, Karemera Annonciathe said that it was her first time attending the trade fair but it left her with valuable insights including discovering new types of flowers that could be grown in Rwanda.

Janvier Ugeziwe, a representative from Duhamic-Adri, was also pleased with how they showcased flowers grown in Rwanda, presenting more than 18 varieties that attracted a large number of buyers.
Statistics show that flower farming generates substantial income for the country, with over $6.85 million earned in the past five years.

Horticulture, including flowers, fruits, and vegetables, brought in over $42.86 million for Rwanda in the 2021/22 fiscal year, with flowers alone contributing $6.85 million.
Rwanda's Embassy has announced that visitors are welcome to visit Rwanda's stand, number 5.06, located in "Hall C."

IGIHE will keep you up to speed on the developments, for the eighth consecutive year regarding Rwanda's floriculture at the trade fair. The event provides the Rwandan delegation with the opportunity to strengthen trade relations and promote the quality of Rwandan flowers.

Last year, Rwandans representing various companies involved in flower farming and trading, such as Duhamic-Adri and Bright Harvest, told IGIHE that they were very pleased to participate in the event.

These photos depict Rwanda's vibrant participation in the 2023 event.
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