Official launch of the “Quality + Fruilema” project
May 01 2010, Mali [ML]
The “Quality + Fruilema” project of the Economic Interest Group (EIG) Fruilema was officially launched on Friday, 12 January 2007, at the Bamako business centre. The launch ceremony, attended by over one hundred people active in the private sector, was chaired by Mr N’Diaye, secretary-general of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
Through this project, Fruilema, a Malian fruit and vegetable concern, is seeking to acquire the tools and resources needed to meet the stringent requirements for exporting Malian farm products to international markets. More specifically, the project involves setting up an information and communication system to identify producers, parcels of land, and product quantities and quality in order to analyse and understand the current situation and thus improve decision-making.
The International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD) will finance 78% of the total project cost of over 74 million CFA francs, the remaining 22% being financed by Fruilema. The five-year project is divided into two phases. The first, which will last two years, is to be financed by IICD, and the second, spread over three years, by the EIG’s contribution. IICD also provided technical support for the project by designing software to keep the EIG’s activities running smoothly, as well as a substantial package of IT equipment and mopeds. Project leader Boukary Ba pronounced himself fully satisfied with IICD’s support.
Mr N’Diaye, representing Minister Choguel Maiga, who was unable to attend, emphasised that the project is an initiative of great significance that will enable producers in the sector to meet the requirements of European markets, which offer very promising trade prospects.
IICD representative François Laurey declared that the project will allow FRUILEMA to enhance the value of its products with a view to entering the European market. He added that the presentation of the project suggests that it holds great promise.