Colombian President pledges support to flower sector

In a rousing speech at the opening ceremony of Proflora 2019, President Ivan Duque pledged to work with the Colombian flower sector to double its exports in the coming years.

Describing the sector as the perfect example of the Sustainable Development Objectives* set by the United Nations, he said the flower industry should and could lead the country in such crucial issues as the empowerment of women and poverty reduction.

However he also set other challenges; not least asking growers to work together over the next few months to create a strategic 10-year plan for the sector. A move he hoped would see government and private efforts increase exports, conquer new markets, improve infrastructure, support research and improve productivity in order to double flower exports by 2030 from its current US$1.4 billion turnover.

Reflecting on the industry – which he knows well through his friendships with many leading Colombian growers – Duque said “If there is a sector that has the ability to meet and showcase how so many of the 17 Sustainable Development Objectives can be met, it is the Colombian flower industry. Be it reducing poverty, empowering women, promoting sustainability and exemplary environmental practices or showing how partnerships between the public, private and civil sectors can work, our flower industry is a key player. In fact I have no doubt that the more progress is made in this sector, the more growth is going to happen in the municipalities where the flower sector is operational."

In a speech that was sprinkled with laughs as well as determination Duque told the international audience "I want this sector to feel that it has a friendly government, a government that wants to see it grow in the future," said Duque, while confirming his intention to work with Asocolflores to create a programme that will allow the flower sector to be the first in the world in quality, new species and the social chain that the flower represents.

According to Duque, the government is ready and committed to work immediately with Asocolflores on the following strategic guidelines:

1. Expand international markets particularly in China where he sees the potential for sales of $20 million compared to the current $2 million. Increase productivity and the results of the free trade agreement with Korea and have an extension of the current agreement with the European Union applied to the UK following Brexit.

2. Development of new species: The government, through the ICA, will work at the service of the greater productivity of this sector in the exploration of new species, the consolidation of new markets and sanitary diplomacy.

3. Greater promotion: ProColombia will position the name of Asocolflores throughout the world and explore the possibility of creating the route of flowers, similar to the route of wine in Chile or Tequila in Mexico.

4. Foliage expansion: With the potential available we will work together to create incentives and ways to retain current investors, attract more national investment capital and improve logistical conditions to consolidate this market and generate new jobs in Colombia.

Before ending his speech, the president congratulated Asocolflores for celebrating its 45th anniversary.  Not only did he present the head of Asocolflores, Augusto Solano with a special award but asked the audience to applaud the women who are at the heart of the Colombian flower industry explaining. "There are 45 years of beautiful stories, 45 years of entrepreneurs, 45 years of managers, 45 years of women who deserve to be applauded every day," 

The 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) the United Nations have set to transform our world:
1: No Poverty
2: Zero Hunger
3: Good Health and Well-being
4: Quality Education
5: Gender Equality
6: Clean Water and Sanitation
7: Affordable and Clean Energy
8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10: Reduced Inequality
11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
12: Responsible Consumption and Production
13: Climate Action
14: Life Below Water
15: Life on Land
16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal