Kenya is set to host the 7th edition of the Agro-Food Pack Exhibition later this week.
The three-day expo, to be held at the Sarit Centre, is co-organized by MXM Exhibitors – a Dubai-based event firm and the Kenya National Chambers of Commerce & Industry-Kajiado chapter targets both entrepreneurs in the Agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
The forum which will run from October 27th to 29th seeks to help local farmers boost their production through the adoption of innovative technologies.
“Food security is a major concern across the world and production has been heavily affected by Climate Change that continues to have a negative impact on the harvest. Our aim is to provide a platform for technology transfer, boosting inter-trade and enhancing the opening of the gateway between Kenya and other 20 countries from Europe and Asian nations,” says Mudasir Mohammed, MXM, Expo organizer.
“We need to ensure that there is value addition for the local farmers and the best way to achieve that is by collaboration with well-developed nations like the UAE that practice modern agriculture to increase food production. Our goal is to provide trade and technological exchange opportunities between Kenya and the world.” He added.
Kenya National Chambers of Commerce & Industry-Kajiado chapter CEO Japheth Ogutu says local farmers often suffer huge losses.
“Most of our farmers realize losses because they don’t have ready market and this exhibition will help us create new markets for our products beyond the UAE. We are also urging the international exhibitors to take advantage of the industrial parks that are being built by the government and set up their production plants locally.” Observes Ogutu.
He said the expo is an ideal platform for Kajiado County and particularly the chambers’ members to showcase the opportunities available for investors and exhibitors.
The AgroFoodpack Exhibition covers various segments including Agro, Dairy and Poultry, Grains and Storage, Food and Flavors, Biscuits, Cakes, Packaging and processing Machines and Plastics.
Some of the major participants at the expo are Foshan Biology, SNK Benterkia, AsaalShirin, Janst Healthcare, Prestige Packing Industry, Savinda Graphics & Package.
The expo organizers are however urging Kenyan exhibitors to create long-lasting partnerships with foreign counterparts.
“I believe that local exhibitors will end up signing MOUs that benefit both players. For instance, we can be their agents in our countries and they can be our local partners here in Kenya,” he says.
The expo will create a pathway for technology innovators, producers, suppliers, and buyers to exploit up-and-coming opportunities in one of the world’s most attractive business spots.
An estimated 1,500 exhibitors from over six countries will participate in the event. The October expo is also expected to showcase transformations in the agriculture sector making it less dependent on manual processes, a change hoped to boost export volumes.
The exhibitors are drawn from Algeria, China, Egypt, Kenya, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.
