Good Seed for Investment and Agricultural Development aims to export 5,000 tonnes of agricultural products in the current export season. Said Saleh Mubarak, a member of the company's board of directors, said that Good Seed will raise exports from 2,000 tonnes last season to 5,000 this season, up by 150%. He added that last year was the first actual export season for the company, as it previously attempted to start its export activity in 2016, but at small quantities. He explained that oranges of all kinds are the main crop the company exports, next to artichokes, lettuce, and tomatoes, in accordance with the needs of the European market. "We prefer to export to Europe, especially Italy, England, Malta, and the Netherlands, while our exports to Arab countries are small," he said. He pointed out that the large supply of agricultural crops in the Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE, reduces their prices, which damages small exporters' business. He estimated the proportion of his company's exports to the region at 10-15% of all exports. Mubarak pointed out that the company aims to open new markets during the current year in East Asia, as well as boosting exports in its current markets. He justified not exporting to China, which is among the top importers of Egyptian oranges, by highlighting the requirements set by it, which demand the highest quality grade of oranges. He demanded China work with the same requirements and specifications of European countries. He pointed out that the company currently has no production stations, but rents others', as it aims to rent 200 feddans at a cost of EGP 8m to expand the cultivation of agricultural crops and exports during the next export season. Mubarak stressed the importance of encouraging competition in accordance with quality and not on the basis of price, as well as maintaining the price of Egyptian products in foreign markets. He pointed to the importance of the requirements set by the Ministry of Agriculture to protect the reputation of Egyptian products externally, especially that any crisis related to any product creates a strong reaction in all markets dealing with them. He stressed the importance of imposing such requirements on all crops and not only exported ones to ensure the provision of good and safe products for Egyptian consumers. He pointed out that the Fruit Logistica exhibition is the second that the company is participating in, emphasising the importance of exhibitions for small companies in particular.
