Editor,
 
THIS letter is in reference to an article titled "Coffee, tea export revenues shoot up” published in The New Times of January, 19.  

It is a fact that, after tourism, coffee and tea are the biggest foreign exchange earners for the country. It is very encouraging to know that the Ministry of Agriculture takes many positive and pro-active steps so as to enhance production, like investing in modern irrigation systems.

However, as recently indicated in your newspaper, it would be good for the Government to also look at new, emerging markets while continuing their export promotion activities in the traditional and existing markets.

There is a well-known saying "Variety is the spice of life”. 

Rwandan coffee and tea can surely offer a good variety which will spice up the life of people in many countries around the globe. What would be required is an effective marketing programme and the possible participation of organisations like National Agriculture Export Board (NAEB), along with the private sector, at trade expos to make these unique products available and much sought after, in international markets.
 
Clarence Fernandes
clavinmarketing@gmail.com