Sepik Cocoa, Vanilla supported by EU-STREIT PNG Programme attracts international interests at the CGC Agri Trade Expo
FAO-supported cocoa and vanilla agripreneurs from Sepik attract significant international attention at the CGC Agri Trade Expo in Port Moresby.
Honorary Consul of Papua New Guinea to Japan Mr. Nobuchika Ihara interacting with cocoa and vanilla farmers at the EU-STREIT PNG booths.
©FAO-STREIT
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under EU-STREIT PNG Programme continues to support development of the supported value chains (Cocoa, Vanilla and Fisheries) with exposure and connection with national and international niche markets.
This week 12 cocoa and vanilla agripreneurs, including producers and processors, from East and West Sepik Provinces are proudly showcasing their products in a 4-day CGC Agri Trade Expo at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby.
The team supported by FAO was allocated three booths which attracted a large number of local and international visitors since Monday 24 June.
One high-level visitor who was fascinated with the cocoa and vanilla displays on the EU-STREIT PNG’s booth was Honorary Consul of Papua New Guinea to Japan Mr. Nobuchika Ihara who was very happy to hear farmers’ testimonies and stories on how cocoa and vanilla is grown and processed organically in the Sepik. Mr. Ihara also requested samples of dried cocoa beans from participant farmers. These samples will be sent by the Honorary Consul to Japan to be tested for flavour and quality, and marketing opportunities.
Participating parties in the CGC Agri Trade Expo include banks and other financial institutions, agribusinesses, exporters, hoteliers, retailers and potential investors. The tradeshow is an opportunity to showcase the Greater Sepik region’s cocoa and vanilla products where agripreneurs can also establish business linkages, partnerships and relations with potential national and international niche markets.
About the EU-STREIT PNG Programme
The EU-STREIT PNG, being implemented as a United Nations Joint Programme (FAO as leading agency and ILO, ITU, UNCDF and UNDP as implementing partners), is the European Union's largest grant-funded initiative in the country. It focuses on boosting sustainable and inclusive economic development in rural areas. This is achieved by enhancing economic returns and opportunities within cocoa, vanilla, and fisheries value chains. Additionally, the Programme strengthens and improves the efficiency of value chain enablers, including access to ICT and digital financial services. It also supports the development of sustainable, climate-resilient transport infrastructures and renewable energy solutions. The Programme benefits two provinces: East Sepik and West Sepik.
Contact
Amir Khaleghiyan International Reporting and Communication Officer +675 7410 2860 [email protected]