The Government of Guinea-Bissau wants cashew exports to increase from 150,000 to 200,000 tonnes per year, said the country’s Minister of Commerce Serifo Embaló.

“Guinea-Bissau produces more than 250,000 tonnes [of cashew] per year, but exports only about 150,000 tonnes. There is the need to create objective conditions so exports are as transparent and clear as possible,” said Mr Embaló, quoted by Portuguese news agency Lusa.

Several parties linked to the cashew industry, the main export crop in Guinea-Bissau, gathered last week in capital Bissau to discuss strategies to boost production and trade.

The meeting was organised by the Ministry of Commerce and brought together farmers, small traders, exporters, banks, the police and Government officials.

Mr Embaló told Lusa that the Government wants to hear all stakeholders in the sector on how to increase cashew exports to at least 200,000 tonnes in 2015.

According to official figures, cashew cultivation is the main source of income for more than 80 percent of Guinea-Bissau’s rural population.