(Ecofin Agency) - The ports of Dakar and Dunkerque just announced an agreement in principle for the creation of a platform to support export of fruits and vegetables from Senegal to the European Union and Russia. According to Senegal’s minister of agriculture, Papa Abdoulaye Seck, the agreement provides a solution which will highly help support fruits and vegetable exports to Europe and Russia.

François Soulet De Brugière, President of Dunkerque’s port supervisory board, said emphasis will be put on the training of Senegalese actors to improve their knowledge of European market. “Senegal’s products can be of quality, efforts must be made to attain Europe’s demanding standards”. “A sure thing is all the ingredients needed for Senegal to get to the top of this market in the coming years are present” he added.

While Seck said the agreement should be rapidly implemented given both parties’ enthusiasm, he indicated that Senegal’s production needed more logistics. “This is why, our collaboration with the Dunkerque port is an essential asset,” he said.

Aaron Akinocho