The 7th Agro Food Trade Fair has commenced at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa, drawing participation from 14 countries, including industry powerhouses like China, Germany, India, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The fair promises to be a crucial platform for fostering international business relationships and promoting advancements in the agro-industrial sector.
The trade fair, which began today and will run until June 14, 2017 E.C., was officially inaugurated by State Minister of Industry, Hassan Mohamed, alongside Turkish Ambassador to Ethiopia, Berk Baran, and Brazilian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Jean-Der Ferreira dos Santos.
During the inauguration ceremony, State Minister Hassan Mohamed highlighted Ethiopia's commitment to enhancing the efficiency and productivity of its agro-industrial sector. He emphasised the government's proactive efforts to attract both domestic and foreign investment by developing specialised agro-industrial parks. These parks aim to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and contribute to the sector's growth.
The Agro Food Trade Fair is designed to provide companies from diverse sectors with a unique opportunity to establish valuable business relationships, exchange industry knowledge, and explore potential collaborations. This year's fair features participation from over 130 companies representing the 14 participating nations.
Exhibitors are showcasing a wide range of products and services relevant to the agro-industrial sector. These include agricultural inputs, food and beverage processing technologies, and solutions for enhancing the quality and efficiency of agricultural production. Furthermore, the fair includes displays of plastic, printing, and packaging technologies, recognising the importance of these supporting industries in the overall food production and distribution chain.
The 7th Agro Food Trade Fair is a collaborative effort, jointly organised by the Ministry of Industry, Germany's Fairtrade, and Prana Events. This partnership brings together expertise and resources from both the public and private sectors, ensuring a well-organised and impactful event. The fair is expected to facilitate significant business deals, technology transfers, and knowledge sharing, ultimately contributing to the modernisation and growth of Ethiopia's agro-industrial sector. The diverse range of exhibitors and the high-level participation underscore the growing importance of Ethiopia as a key player in the African agro-industrial landscape.