More than 150 international exhibitors, dealers and distributors from over 30 countries will be showcasing their products at the “Agra Middle East 2011,” the largest agribusiness trade event in the region, which opens on March 29. The expo, which runs till March 31 at the Dubai International Exhibition Center, will serve as a networking platform wherein international experts and local leaders will meet to discuss key challenges in food security in the Middle East. They will also get an opportunity to exchange ideas on various investment opportunities aimed to boost the region's food production within the next 20 years, the organizers said. Organizers have confirmed a 25 percent increase in the volume of participants at this year's event, which will include national pavilions from different countries such as China, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Turkey. This year's edition has been formatted to encompass five closely linked sectors – agribusiness; poultry and livestock; fishing and aquaculture; floriculture and horticulture and agricultural machinery and supplies. The expo will see companies showcasing their latest technological advances and best practices in agribusiness, said Goutam Malhotra, exhibition manager, Agra ME 2011. “The enthusiasm and level of interest of exhibitors and visitors has been remarkable. This is a manifestation of the confidence of key industry players and robust growth outlook of agribusiness industry in Middle East, particularly in light of aggressive investments by the government and private organizations to boost the region's food production capability.” Supported by the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Flower Center, Agra Middle East remains the premier networking platform for international manufacturers and suppliers of agribusiness products in the Mena region.
