Exporters of perishable goods acquire cargo space

Rwandan exporters have secured cargo space for perishable products, especially meat and vegetables, on Ethiopian Airlines, Ndambe Nzaramba, the National Agriculture Export Development Board deputy director general in charge of marketing and export, has said.In a meeting with exporters to discuss how they can utilise the opportunity, Nzaramba urged producers to maximise the cargo space and grow the market in Congo-Brazzaville.The Exporters were, however, challenged to get more organised to ensure they satisfy demand through consistent supply and timely delivery of goods. Nzaramba said according to the agreement between Ethiopian Airlines and RwandAir, there would be cargo space for up to 30 tonnes per week for the airline’s Kigali - Congo Brazzaville route.The meeting also resolved to set up an entity to co-ordinate meat and fresh produce exports and make sure cargo requirements are met. The group will also work as exporters’ platform through which they can benefit from the Rwanda Development Board and NAEB incentives.“Before the association of fresh produce and meat dealers is formed, all exporters to Congo-Brazzaville will work under the Rwanda Live Animal and Meat Exporter Association (RAMEO),” Nzaramba said.However, exporters who are not members of RAMEO and would wish to be part of the arrangement were requested to sign a deal with the association before the first consignment expected to be delivered by April 22.The exporters will be given a $0.25 waiver by RDB of the US$1.75 total cost per kilogramme for six months. NAEB pledged technical support and will also help them form association and provide office for the group.The agro-exports body will also allow the exporters to use the cold room at Mulindi in Kicukiro district free of charge, but they will met maintenance costs.