Export of some food products now subject to government’s prior approval

Agriculture

Wednesday, 30 June 2021 17:00

Export of some food products now subject to government’s prior approval

(Togo First) - In Togo, the export of some consumer goods is now subject to prior authorization by the government. Yesterday, the government issued a statement in this regard, announcing the strengthening of border controls.

"The government informs economic operators that the export of consumer goods such as maize, sorghum, millet, beans, rice, yams, cassava, and cassava flour is subject, until further notice, to prior authorization from the minister of trade," reads the statement, which was jointly signed by the minister of agriculture, the minister of trade, the minister of economy, and the minister of security.

Primarily, the measure aims to curb the rise in prices of basic commodities recorded in recent months - an increase that contrasts with the food crop surplus registered in the previous season. The government holds economic operators responsible for the situation, accusing them of speculating and smuggling food to neighboring countries. In response, the operators claim there is a shortage. Last May, several experts and farmers told Togo First they expect harvest in the ongoing season to be bad, due to late rains, and the anticipated flooding of some weather systems.

The situation, based on the BCEAO’s latest available data, is not specific to Togo alone. It spreads across the whole West African region.

Esaïe Edoh

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At the fifteenth position, worldwide, and first in Africa, under the Starting a Business index of the 2020 Doing Business ranking, Togo sustains its reformative dynamics with more reforms….

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