African grain trade summit opens in Kigali
Oct 01, 2015
THE 6th African Grain Trade Summit has opened in the Rwandese capital Kigali, with President Paul Kagame calling upon governments in Africa to maintain high quality standards of grain
By Francis Emorut in Kigali
THE 6th African Grain Trade Summit has opened in the Rwandese capital Kigali, with President Paul Kagame calling upon governments in Africa to maintain high quality standards of grain if they are to remain competitive in grain trade within African markets and globally.
Kagame who was represented by his Prime Minister, Anastase Murekezi hinted that without quality, the promotion of grain trade would be fruitless.
"However, for successful grain trade the quality has to be of grade so as to be competitive and attract investment opportunities," Kagame said in his speech read by Murekezi.
The African Grain Trade Summit is a biennial high level multi-stakeholder event organized by Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC).
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The summit is a continentally recognized grain industry conference that attracts stakeholders along grain value chain from around the African continent and beyond to discuss key grain industry issues and developing trends in grain trade on the continent.
It has attracted farmers, traders, service providers, processors, millers, trade experts, development partners and Rwanda government officials.
According to Gerald Masila the executive director of EAGC, the summit is intended to address gaps in grain trade and develop mechanisms that would enable effective and efficient public sector participation in regional grain trade with the ultimate goal being improved livelihoods, more inclusive economic growth and socio-economic development.
Dr. Bernard Otim the EAGC chairman called on delegates to promote grain trade for sustainable livelihoods of citizens and economic growth.