Saudi Arabia lifts ban on Ethiopian meat

May 25, 2009 (ADDIS ABABA) — Saudi Arabia, the biggest buyer of
Ethiopian meat, has lifted a ban on exports from the country,
according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

It is estimated that 40 percent of Ethiopian meat exports were
affected by the ban since April.

Saudi Arabia had imposed temporary bans before, such as one lifted in
August 2003 after fears over the Rift Valley Fever, a virus affecting
livestock that can be spread to humans through touching meat or
consuming it under-cooked.

The decision to allow imports followed “technical and diplomatic
efforts” between governments of the two countries, the official
Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) reported on Monday.

“The Saudi Arabian government believed that the suspension was
inappropriate and agreed to resume imports of Ethiopian meat,” stated
the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The ministry added that the measure would help to further strengthen
trade ties and good relations between the two countries.

Saudi Arabia invests not only in agriculture in Ethiopia, but also in
mining, industry and tourism.

Similar export bans have been imposed on Sudan by Saudi Arabia and the
United Arab Emirates, seriously reducing overall revenues for the
sector.

(ST)