EU to import potatoes cultivated in Sharq Owinat

The European Union agreed to import potatoes cultivated over an area of 5000 feddans in Sharq Owinat as a delegation toured the area last week and make sure of its good quality.

Egypt, Australia, Canada and Germany agreed on setting up Joint ventures for livestock and fruits and vegetables cultivation via biological methods in the area so as to export them to Europe.

Statements to that end were made by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Youssef Wali during a visit by a delegation from Germany, Canada and Australia to the area together with some Egyptian and Foreign businessmen and investors.

"President Hosni Mubarak's repeated visits to the area contributed to luring more investors, upping their number from 50 in 1998 to 6000 at present," said Wali.

"Bidding to encourage direct exporting from Sharq El Owinat airport to Europe and outside markets, a special unit was established to ensure the safety of the exported products," said the Minister.

"The cooperation project with Australia includes the fattening of 12.000 clefs a year as well as the establishment of a L.E. 8 million slaughter-house," said President of the Principal Bank for Credit and Agricultural Development Youssef Abdel Rahman.