RIYADH – More than 20,000 visitors attended the Saudi Agriculture 2013 – the 32nd International Agriculture, Water and Agro-Industry Show – that concluded Wednesday, organized by Riyadh Exhibitions Company at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. The premier trade show witnessed the participation of over 300 exhibitors from more than 13 countries, including China, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Turkey, UAE and USA, across a 1,5000 m2 exhibition space. The four-day event served as the perfect platform to shed light on the numerous investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia's agricultural sector. The event also highlighted the strong support that the Kingdom's government was extending to the sector, which has been a key factor for attracting regional and international investments. The event generated overwhelming feedback from exhibitors. S.S. Nayyar, representing the Indian contingent at the show, said “this was the fourth consecutive year that India was participating at the event. In the first year there were 22 Indian companies and this year saw 42 companies from India present at the event, looking to capitalize on the vast trade opportunities between KSA and India, especially considering that we are Saudi Arabia's fourth largest trading partner. General trade between the two countries was valued at $43 billion in 2012-2013 and Indian exports of food and agro products to KSA reached $1.2 billion during the same period. Saudi Agriculture was a very important platform for Indian companies to connect with Saudi partners and investors, and the significance of this show to us is evident by the increasing growth in the size of our participation in this premier event every year.” J. Guna Sekaran, also representing the Indian pavilion, added “the Saudi market holds a lot of potential because of the population growth and the overall prosperity of the Kingdom. Moreover, India is facilitating Saudi Arabia's move toward food and water security by investing in lands outside the country to fulfill the local demand, especially for wheat, and India is very cooperative in this field.” Saudi Agriculture 2013 provided the ideal business-to-business platform for exhibitors and trade visitors to capitalize on the growth of the Saudi agriculture and food market that has been achieving the largest growth levels in the region and holds major potential for new businesses. Saudi Agriculture 2013 showcased the latest in animal health & production, agricultural finance & banking, agricultural products & services, chemicals & fertilizers, cold storage & crop production, dairy farming products & equipment, fisheries & fish farming, greenhouses, handling & transport systems, irrigation & landscaping equipment, machinery & spare parts, organic farming, packaging systems & products, pesticides, pumps & pipe systems, seeds & soil nutrition products, spraying machinery, water treatment, water management systems and warehousing. — SG
