JEDDAH, 23 September 2005 — “Save water” is one of the most important messages being given at the National Industries Fair, which opened here on Wednesday. “No for drugs” is one other message which a manufacturer of dates and date-paste has embossed on the carton of each bottle.
A company specializing in an “innovative” kit that is to be fitted on the taps of every home and office has unleashed the campaign at its stand, which is one of more than 100 stands put up by national companies.
“The kit regulates the water supply from the tap depending on the need and thus helps conserve water, the most precious commodity of the 21st century,” its manufacturer said.
“It’s high time all our food products carry slogans related to conservation of water and abstention from drugs,” said Sulaiman Abdul Al-Faqeeh, a Saudi visitor.
Ministry of Commerce’s Muhammad A. Al-Harbi formally inaugurated the fair organized by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry at its international exhibition and convention center on Madinah Road.
“I’m delighted to see the progress of our national companies. They now have a wide range of products some of which were being imported from abroad before,” Al-Harbi told reporters later.
The fair showcases a wide range of food and nonfood items manufactured by local companies. Dates and “oud”, that is burned as incense, occupy the pride of place at a couple of stands with their representatives claiming that they had a tremendous response from visitors in the past. “Our dates and ‘oud’ are being increasingly consumed both here and abroad,” Abdul Rahim Al-Mahdali said.
There are many stands displaying food items manufactured by major companies including chocolates, cookies, juices, ice creams, donuts, soft drinks and popcorn.
