Ethiopia is planning to earn U.S $ 47.48 Million during the holy fasting Ramadan month, from the export of meat and animals. The export destinations are said to be the Middle East countries.

According to Kelifa Hussein, Deputy Head of the Ethiopian Trade Ministry’s Live Animals, Hides and Skins Department, Ramadan has been a good business opportunity for Ethiopia because the demand rises during the period.

Kelifa added, “We export both animals and meat to Somalia, Egypt, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and export meat to Turkey and Hong Kong".

According to the Secretary General of Ethiopian Association for Meat Producers and Exporters, Abebaw Mekonnen, Ethiopia anticipates to earn U.S $ 26.48 Million from exporting 5405 Tons of meat to different countries during the Ramadan season. This is out of the total planned U.S $ 47.48 Million which includes live animals.

Abebaw further noted 90 percent of the total export destined for Saudi Arabia and UAE markets. The rest 10 percent will be distributed among Kuwait, Oman and Egypt.

Commenting on the 11 months performance of the sub sector, Abebaw said the country managed to earn U.S $ 66.8 Million from the export of meat.

The Secretary General also noted there is a plan to increase the amount of meat being transported in a single flight from 40 Tons to 60 Tons.

Source: Associated Press of Pakistan