Ibrahim Ahli

The Dubai Flower Centre (DFC) has strengthened its ties with Jordan Exporters and Producers Association (JEPA) for fruit and vegetables and cut flowers.

"Jordan is a major regional producer and exporter of fresh produce, fruits, vegetables and cut flowers and our visit was designed to encourage vertically integrated agribusiness firms to use DFC as a base," said DFC marketing director Ibrahim Ahli.

"Holland, Chile, Kenya, Colombia, Ecuador and Japan are among the nations that top the list of the world's largest producers, while consumption is led by the US, Germany, Russia and Japan," said Ahli.

"Jordan is famous for its Carnations, Chrysanthemums, Easter Lily, Gladiolus and Roses. Backed by moderate climactic conditions, excellent geographic location and cheap labour costs, the country has all the key elements to increase its share in cut flower exports," Ahli noted.

"What the country's fresh cut flower industry needs to reach the standards required for the foreign markets is the right infrastructure and international links that the DFC provides in good measure."

During his visit, Ahli met with the Jordan Exporters and Producers Association for Fruits and Vegetables (JEPA), a non-profit organisation, established in March 1994 by a group of private exporters and producers in the horticultural sector.

JEPA helps to promote top quality exports of fresh produce and cut flowers from Jordan through a series of activities including trade fairs, studies, information systems, trade and buyers' missions, workshops, seminars, training, extension and conferences.

JEPA is a non-profit organisation established in 1994 by a group of private exporters and producers in the horticultural sector. The association co-operates with the Ministry of Agriculture and many other public institutions in areas of common interest like policy issues, and aims to provide a vehicle for the horticultural private sector in Jordan to organize its common activities and promote common goals.TradeArabia News Service