AGRA Middle East 2011, the largest agribusiness trade event in the Middle East, will commence on March 29, 2011, at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, amid a backdrop of emerging challenges in food security in the Middle East and ambitious plans by Arab countries to invest a combined USD 65 billion in the next 20 years to boost food production for the region's fast-growing population. In light of the aggressive food investment strategy of Arab countries, AGRA Middle East 2011 is expected to serve as an ideal platform for local, regional and international manufacturers, suppliers and exporters to venture into the region's flourishing agribusiness industry.
The Middle East Agribusiness Outlook Forum, to be held concurrently with AGRA Middle East 2011, on the other hand, will gather international experts and local leaders who will explore the development of an integrated food policy for the region to help address current and emerging challenges of food security & water resources.
Supported by the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Flower Centre, AGRA Middle East remains the premier networking platform for international manufacturers and suppliers of agribusiness products in the Middle East, showcasing the latest advances in agriculture and irrigation, animal husbandry and poultry farming, fisheries and aquaculture, floriculture and horticulture and agricultural machinery. This year's edition of AGRA Middle East been organised to encompass five closely linked sectors – agribusiness; poultry and livestock; fishing and aquaculture; floriculture and horticulture and agricultural machinery and supplies.
Goutam Malhotra, Exhibition Manager for AGRA Middle East 2011, said: "Countries across the Middle East continue to invest aggressively in innovative techniques and the most advanced technologies to address long-term food security challenges and ultimately reduce growing independence on food imports, which currently account for 90 per cent of the region's food supply. AGRA Middle East will be a strategically important platform to cultivate high-level interaction and exchange of ideas among scientists, researchers and government leaders to address concerns in food security in the region. Moreover, the event will gather international manufacturers and suppliers that are poised to support ongoing efforts to strengthen the agribusiness sector in the Middle East."
Organisers have confirmed a 25 per cent increase in exhibit space at this year's AGRA Middle East, including over 150 international exhibitors, manufacturers and suppliers from more than 30 countries. There will also be national pavilions from different countries including Australia, China, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Spain, UAE and USA
AGRA Middle East 2011 will provide regional and global suppliers and manufacturers a direct access to lucrative and growing markets all over the Middle East, including over 4,000 regional buyers, dealers and distributors who will be attending the event. The exhibition is also widely recognised as a cost-effective platform to promote products and services, connect with new dealers and distributors, reinforce ties with customers, and launch new products. Participants can also attend various seminars and business networking sessions organised throughout the exhibition.