Azerbaijan, Baku, May 14 / Trend A. Hasanov /
The 18th international exhibition food industry 'Worldfood Azerbaijan in 2012' which has attracted 120 companies from 24 countries starts in Baku on May 15, the head of ITE Group Plc., Edward Strachan, told reporters on Monday.
He said the interest in the event from European companies and other foreign countries is constantly growing and they account for 30 per cent of the total number of exhibitors. This year, 40 per cent of exhibitors are first timers from countries such as Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Serbia.
Along with commercial firms, the exhibition is attended by government organisations. Thus, participation in the exhibition of Serbian and Afghan businessmen is organised with the active assistance of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Association of Farm Service of Afghanistan, respectively.
Director of export promotion at the department of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) Vusal Kerimli said at a press conference the development of the non-oil sector is a priority for Azerbaijan and one of the goals of this exhibition is to acquaint the local population and foreign countries with products made in Azerbaijan. Azpromo is one of the organisers of the exhibition.
WorldFood Azerbaijan unites several thematic exhibitions: food industry (Worldfood), beverages (WorldDrink) and technology (WorldFoodTech), covering much of the food market.