RIYADH – The Saudi government's increased investments in the agriculture sector in 2012 amounting to $16 billion are expected to boost the Kingdom's agribusiness market, forecast to increase by 1.3 percent year-on-year, reaching an estimated value of $2.2 billion this year. The Kingdom remains focused on food security measures even as Saudi investors receive approval from the Cabinet on agro-investments abroad. In addition, the Jeddah-based Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector's launch of a $600 million food and agribusiness fund promises to address the Kingdom's need for investments in a wide range of commercially sustainable projects for food and agriculture. Apart from these investments, the government eyes to increase its investments in agriculture facilities such as wheat storage facilities, among others. "The huge business investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia's agriculture sector require a dedicated platform where regional and international investors could identify their roles in support of the government's growth target for the industry. Saudi Agriculture 2012 will once again serve as an ideal platform to showcase the huge potential of the kingdom's agricultural sector to trade visitors looking to explore partnerships and growth opportunities within the fastest growing agricultural market in the region," said Khalid Daou, Project Manager of Saudi Agriculture in Riyadh Exhibitions Company. The Riyadh Exhibitions Company is hosting the Saudi Agriculture 2012 on Sept. 24-27 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC), covering all aspects of the agriculture and food industries from management, production, packaging and distribution. The exhibition will attract exhibitors from the Gulf, Middle East, Europe, the Americas and Asia, in addition to local companies who will be displaying the latest agricultural products, services and equipment. This year, the event is set to outdo its own title as the Middle East's largest international agriculture, water and agro-industry show. Saudi Agriculture 2012, now on its 31st year, will be held concurrently with Saudi Agro-Food: The 19th International Trade Show for Food Products, as well as with the Saudi Food-Pack: The International Exhibition for Food Processing and Packaging to feature the latest products, technologies and services in areas ranging from frozen and chilled foods, confectionery, chocolates, health and natural foods, to presentation, processing and packaging equipment. Accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, the show has a wide range of scope that include animal health and production, agricultural financing, agricultural products and services, chemicals and fertilizers, cold storage, dairy farming products and equipment, fish farming, greenhouses, handling and transport systems, irrigation and landscaping equipment, organic farming, packaging systems and products, pesticides, pumps and pipe systems, seeds and soil nutrition products, spraying machinery, water treatment, water management systems, and warehousing, etc. – SG
