Egyptian Minister of Trade and Industry Nevine Gamea has inaugurated the ninth edition of Africa Food Manufacturing exhibition which takes place on 2-4 August. The exhibition is organized by Informa Markets company in cooperation with the Egyptian Chamber of Food Industries and the Chamber of Printing and Packaging at the Federation of Egyptian Industries. The event includes the launch of regional editions of the international exhibitions ProPak Exhibitions for food processing and packaging and Fi Global for food ingredients. The exhibition includes products from a number of countries, including India, Russia, Spain, Belgium, Turkey, Pakistan, Poland, and the UAE. The minister said that the participation of 140 international and local companies in the field of food and beverage manufacturing representing 16 countries in the exhibition reflects its importance in integration of continental supply chains in the food and beverage, packaging and logistics sectors. Gamea noted that the exhibition represents an important platform for strengthening cooperation between the countries of the continent to achieve continental food security. She added that Egypt represents a major production and export hub for food industries in the Middle East and Africa, pointing out that Egypt's food industries investments amounted to approximately EGP 500bn and contribute about 24.5% of the GDP. The minister pointed out that Egypt's exports of food industries have recorded around $2.35bn in the first six months of current year, compared to about $1.788m in the same period last year, an increase of 14%. A 3-day conference will be held on the sidelines of the exhibition, with the participation of 40 speakers from leading international and regional experts in the food sector. The conference will address the latest trends, technology, and regulations in the field of food and beverage manufacturing. This year's exhibition will also provide many opportunities for electronic participation in Hybrid system, for the participation of several companies remotely through video. In addition to, business matchmaking programme that provides a unique experience for visitors from arranging pre-meetings with various exhibitors to conclude business deals and facilitate business more effectively.
