Addis Ababa, August 29, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopian Airlines, the largest African carrier and one of the fastest growing brands in the world, has once again emerged to be the airline of choice for most of the African countries in the Qatar for Expo 2023 Doha for passenger and cargo services.
2023 International Horticultural Exposition or Expo 2023 is an International Horticultural Expo to be hosted by Doha, Qatar which will begin on October 2, 2023 and conclude on March 28, 2024. The buzz is massively gathering momentum in Africa, and the continent is gearing up to showcase itself as one of the global leaders in the sector.
The first-of-its-kind premier horticultural exposition in the region, and also the second-largest global event to be held in Qatar, is expected to attract more than 3,000,000 visitors, according to The Peninsula.
Several African countries and companies are exhibiting and participating at the event which runs from October 2023 to March 2024.
As it has proved its world-class services during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Ethiopian Airlines, has once again emerged to be the airline of choice for most of the participating African countries for passenger and cargo services.
Surafel Saketa, Ethiopian Airlines Country Manager to Qatar, told The Peninsula that Ethiopian Airlines is delighted with the overwhelming response from the African countries which testifies the trust they have bequeathed on the pan-African airline as a reliable partner.
“Considering the emergence of horticulture as one of the most important sectors in Africa’s agriculture, the Expo 2023 Doha is significant for the continent and participating in the event will provide a great opportunity to further boost the sector,’’ Surafel added.
He noted that, considering the interest shown by the African countries to take part in the expo so far, Expo 2023 Doha is poised to witness the best of Africa’s participation in any event of its kind in history.
Surafel said, “Kudos to the organisers, and Qatar in particular, for once again putting together an event that is poised to thrill the world and showcase the best of its kind in terms of organisation, hospitality, and everything in between. Agriculture is synonymous with Africa, and as an airline that has been at the forefront of promoting agriculture on the continent, the opportunity to serve it at this global event is one that we are taking as the topmost priority that it deserves.”
In 2019, Ethiopian Airlines launched an innovative capacity development initiative aimed at creating local value in agricultural products. The forward-looking development initiative was tailored to support cooperative unions comprising millions of farmers with innovations and technology, thereby ensuring their international market penetration.
“We are delighted to have launched several initiatives that are geared towards enhancing the livelihood of farmers and horticultural practitioners across Africa as well as supporting them in competing in the global market.
Expo 2023 Doha will be one of the hallmarks of our contribution to this sector in Africa, and we cannot wait enough to bring the continent to the world in Doha,” Surafel said.
A research by Global Market Estimates indicates that the global horticulture market size is projected to grow from $20.77bn in 2021 to $40.24bn by 2026, at a CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period; and the major driving factors for the horticulture market include the significant advancement in the agricultural sector, growing penetration of sustainable horticulture practices, comprehensive R&D (Research and experimental Development) activities and the enactment of favourable government initiatives, rapid urbanization, a growing global populace, and income growth.