Agro-food exporters appeal for State support

Complicated border procedures harm exports to Arab markets

Refrigerated trucks carrying fresh fruits and vegetables to Arab countries have been facing several complications lately, which resulted in a drop in agricultural exports.

“The security situation in Syria, delayed visas, and complicated land border procedures are inflicting damages on our agricultural exports,” said Minister of Transportation and Public Works, Ghazi Aridi.

As part of precautionary procedures taken in light of the turmoil in Syria, the authorities of countries in the region have been imposing tighter measures to protect their borders.

At the Jordanian-Syrian border, security officers are unloading all shipments for inspection.
Earlier this month, exporters had complained of the rigid procedures for Syrian drivers to obtain visas to enter Gulf countries via Saudi Arabia.

During the first quarter of 2012, agricultural exports dropped by 14 percent year-on-year. But, exporters have said that deliveries of fresh fruits and vegetables to Gulf countries fell by more than half since early May.

Exports to Arab countries include citrus fruits, bananas, and seasonal fruits like cherries, peaches, and plums.

Farmers and exporters complained that rising transport costs have also impacted the competitiveness of the produce. Demand forSyrian drivers has grown since the unrest broke out. The shortfall in drivers has reportedly doubled transport costs, which exceeded $4,000 per truck.

The Ministries of Agriculture and of Transportation decided to set up a follow-up committee to seek alternative measures for protecting exports.

The government already runs a program to support agricultural exports through the state-run Investment Development Authority (IDAL). The $33 million-program, Agri-Plus supports farmers through subsidizing the costs of transporting the produce.


Reported by Hanadi Chami