JEDDAH, 28 May 2006 — More than a dozen countries are participating in the annual ‘food, hotel and propac arabia’ expo that opens at the Jeddah International Exhibition & Convention Center today. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Abdul Aziz ibn Saad Al-Shathri will formally inaugurate the event at 5 p.m.
The Ministry of Agriculture is actively taking part in the show along with the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) and the Saudi Society for food and Nutrition.
The event is in its 11th edition is showcasing food, beverages, processing, packaging, canning, hotel equipment, supplies and services.
Turkey and Taiwan are showcasing their products and services at their national pavilions. “While Turkey is exhibiting its food products, Taiwan is showcasing its sophisticated processing and packing equipment and machinery, Zahoor Siddique, exhibitions director at Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions Ltd. (ACE), which is organizing the annual expo told Arab News yesterday.
China, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, Palestine, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia and the UAE are among the other countries taking part.
“The show once again proves to be a unique place and a forum for interaction between decision makers, businessmen, suppliers and prominent chefs, dieticians, fast-food professionals and many more of those interested in the food manufacturing sector,” Siddique added. The Kingdom is the single largest food and beverages market in the region importing goods in excess of $7 billion a year, representing over 60 percent of all regional food and beverage imports.
