NAIROBI, June 7 (Xinhua) -- A regional flower show opened in Nairobi on Wednesday with a main focus of boosting Kenya's flower sector.
The organizers, HPP International Exhibitions, said that the sixth edition of the International Flower Trade Expo (IFTEX) has attracted over 200 exhibitors from 20 countries as well as over 2000 visitors.
"The key priority of the flower show is to put Kenyan flowers on the global map so that they become a premium brand," HPP CEO Dick van Raamsdonk said.
Van Raamsdonk said that the exhibition will make Kenyan flowers more visible in the international market.
The three-day event will provide a platform for buyers and flower producers to increase business contacts. African exhibitors include flower growers in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia Rwanda and South Africa.
Flower buyers from key export markets of the EU, Middle East and Asia are also represented.
Van Raamsdonk said that Kenyan flowers should not become a commodity but a world recognized brand so that it can attract high prices in the global flower market.
He noted that after more than 20 years of existence Kenya's flower sector has achieved global standards.
"It is now able to complete internationally with other key flower producers," he added.
Kenya's floriculture sector is a major contributor to the Gross Domestic Product.
Van Raamsdonk said that the industry contributes ten percent of all exports and 50 percent of agricultural exports.
