The Saudi Arabian government's allocation of SR35.4 billion of its total SR 475 billion state budget for 2009 for agriculture and water development has expedited and expanded activities in these two key economic sectors. The government has already been streamlining investment procedures and providing various financial incentives to further attract foreign investments into agriculture and water resource management. Saudi Agriculture 2009, the 28th international agriculture, water and agri-industry show, will capitalize on favorable business and regulatory conditions to showcase the latest in agricultural and water technology, machinery and equipment. Organized by Riyadh Exhibitions Company and slated on Nov. 1-4, 2009 at the newly completed Riyadh International Exhibition Center, the event will gather producers, agents, distributors, investors and decision makers to explore the future of Saudi Arabia's fourth largest economic sector. “Saudi Arabia has been able to transform huge expanses of desert into arable farmland through heavy investments into agricultural and irrigation products and technologies. This year's considerable state allocation for the agriculture and water sectors has opened up a greater demand for modern machinery and equipment and advanced technologies that can further optimize agricultural yield while reducing costs. Saudi Agriculture 2009 will feature the products and services needed to sustain the country's visionary agricultural agenda,” said Khalid Daou, project manager of Saudi Agriculture at Riyadh Exhibitions Company. Since its inauguration in 1981, Saudi Agriculture has served as the entry point for regional and international exhibitors and manufacturers into Saudi Arabia's lucrative agricultural market. The 2009 edition will welcome more than 350 exhibitors from over 20 countries to prepare a comprehensive exhibit profile ranging from chemicals and fertilizers, agricultural finance and banking and nurseries and crop protection, to pumps and pipe systems, irrigation and landscaping equipment, and water treatment and management systems. Saudi Agriculture will feature various related satellite workshops, conferences and networking activities as part of a strategy to monitor new industry patterns and trends. To further maximize business and networking opportunities, Saudi Agriculture 2009 will be concurrently held with Saudi Agro-Food 2009 - the 16th international trade show for food products, processing and packaging technologies.
