Maravi

Flower business begins to bloom as global economy recovers

Flower business begins to bloom as global economy recovers
Written by Kabanda Chulu
Thursday, October 08, 2009 4:43:09 PM

ZEGA Limited managing director Colin Rhoda has said the booming period for Zambian exports of fresh flowers and vegetables has started following signs of recovery in the world economy.

During the simultaneous landing of two B747 freighters that brought in products as well as uplifting of exports from Zambia at the Lusaka International Airport yesterday, Rhoda said the development showed positive signs of a good flower export this season.

"The signs are promising for a good flower export season this year especially that the industry took a severe battering last year as a result of the world economic recession as well as the exorbitant cost of Jet A1 fuel in Zambia, which is the highest in the region,” said Rhoda. "Since the global recession is showing signs of recovery, we are hopeful that the authorities concerned will assist in reducing the cost of Jet A1 fuel so that the country can attract more carriers which will be beneficial to, not only the horticultural and floricultural industry, thus ensuring the survival of the industry and safeguarding many jobs, but benefiting the tourism industry as well.”

And Zega Limited operations manager Roy Situmbeko said the freight carriers, Cargolux and MK Airlines, were dropping off incoming freight as well as uplifting exports from Zambia.

"In the case of Cargolux, an uplift of 30 tonnes of export roses and vegetables was recorded, confirming Zambia’s rose export season has begun in earnest and the arrival of both freighters meant that Zega Limited had to employ the use of their full fleet of ground handling equipment to ensure the prompt turnaround of both aircraft,” said Situmbeko.

“It was all in a normal days’ work and the day started in earnest with the dispatch of the morning South African Airways passenger and South African Airways Cargo freighter. The SAA freighter uplifted16 tonnes of export perishables bound for European market through Johannesburg. The Zambezi Airlines and SAA midday frequency to Johannesburg also uplifted fresh produce.”

Labels: HORTICULTURE

posted by MrK @ 3:44 PM