Commissioner Vassiliou comments on her visit to Kenya

On 7th April 2009, PIP representatives had the honour of receiving EU Commissioner for Health, Food and Feed Safety and Animal Health and Welfare, Mrs Androulla Vassiliou, during her tour of East Africa. Together with the EU Delegation in Nairobi and the Kenyan Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), PIP arranged for her to visit two horticultural export companies in Nairobi airport district. See www.coleacp.org/pip In Brief, posted 04/15/09.

The aim of the tour was to show how it is possible to reconcile the (food safety) interests of consumers with development and poverty alleviation through improved income generating opportunities. The PIP Team has been very encouraged by the words of support received in recent correspondence from Commissioner Vasilliou:

“Overall my latest trip to Africa was a real personal gain. It was fascinating to meet so many ambitious people, to see so many initiatives that can serve as a model for development of the whole region.

Of all the projects I have been visiting in three countries, the PIP is amongst those that left a very deep impression with me. I was happy to see that European Community rules are not a barrier to trade. PIP’s success shows that, by investing in compliance, companies are able to reap the benefit in the long run. This includes not only access to the EU market but also beyond. As I could see, the system is benefiting many Kenyans, even those not directly involved in the fruit-, vegetables- or flower sector. It is an important step into the right direction, as it creates "mini-jobs" in local communities, hence helping women who otherwise would have found it difficult to get paid work.

I therefore would like to thank the PIP management and the COLEACP for their efforts, and to congratulate them for to the success achieved."