Egypt is seeking increased meat imports from Ethiopia according to Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalgen. Egyptian investors have also submitted a proposal to establish a modern abattoir in Ethiopia he added.

Pastoralists in Ethiopia need to focus on opening markets for their livestock he explained speaking at the 14th Pastoralist Day celebrated in Oromia Regional State.

The regional government is working on expanding infrastructure and strengthening market centers according to  Abdulaziz Mohammed, Deputy President of Oromia. It is to be remembered that Ethiopia has been lobbying Egyptian officials to re-evaluate their current levels of meat and livestock imports in the past year.

Meat exports have grown to generate more than 63 million US dollars in this last year growing from 86% in the previous budget year. The export of live animals also generated 147.9 million dollars, showing an increase of 63% from that of last year.

In spite of Ethiopia’s extensive livestock population the country is yet to carve out a significant niche in the global market.

Source: The Reporter