The 18th international exhibition food industry 'Worldfood Azerbaijan in 2012' which has attracted 120 companies from 24 countries started in Baku on May 15.
Holding the Azerbaijan International Food Industry Exhibition Worldfood Azerbaijan 2012 has a positive impact on the development of domestic agricultural production and thereby of increasing the country's export potential and interest of foreign entrepreneurs, Azerbaijani Agriculture Minister Ismet Abasov made this statement at the official opening of the 18th Azerbaijan international food industry exhibition Worldfood Azerbaijan 2012.
"The country's tasks include increasing the country's GDP twice in the next 10 years which should mainly be achieved through growth in the non-oil sector," Abasov said.
"Holding such exhibitions is very important given the important role of agriculture in the country's non-oil sector," he added.
He said that this exhibition is an important project in terms of ensuring food security, both in the country and the region.
According to president of the Azerbaijan Export Promotion Fund and Investment (AZPROMO) Adil Mammadov, who also addressed the opening of the exhibition, Worldfood is a good platform to establish business relationships between local and foreign entrepreneurs.
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 organizations. Thus, participation in the exhibition of Serbian and Afghan businessmen is organized with the active assistance of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the Association of Farm Service of Afghanistan, respectively.
WorldFood Azerbaijan unites several thematic exhibitions: food industry (Worldfood), beverages (WorldDrink) and technology (WorldFoodTech), covering much of the food market.
Files were used from: http://www.ipack.iteca.az