President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has reviewed the 19th Azerbaijan International Food Industry Exhibition WorldFood Azerbaijan-2013 and the 7th Azerbaijan International Agricultural Exhibition Agrihort Azerbaijan-2013.

Minister of Agriculture Ismat Abbasov informed the President of Azerbaijan that the development of the agrarian sector, which is one of the main branches of the non-oil sector of the Azerbaijani economy, makes a significant contribution to food security of the country and to the improvement of the welfare of the population. The application of new technologies to the food industry is very important from the point of view of the development of this sector, as well as the quality and competitiveness of its products. In this respect, the exhibitions being organized in the country are of great importance and have a positive impact on the development of the agrarian sector.

It was noted that the traditional WorldFood Azerbaijan and Agrihort Azerbaijan exhibitions attract a growing number of partners every year. In addition to contributing to the introduction of new technologies to the production and processing of agricultural goods, they also serve the development and improvement of this industry, establishment and expansion of business relationships by creating a favorable business environment for local and foreign entrepreneurs.

It was noted that this year’s exhibitions coincided with a period when the country celebrates the 90th birthday anniversary of great leader Heydar Aliyev, which further increases their value. The role of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev in the development of the Azerbaijani economy, including agriculture and food processing sectors, is invaluable. The domestic and foreign policies successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev have created favorable conditions for the sustainable development of agriculture. Both exhibitions are another indicator of this development.

It was noted that both exhibitions are held with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture. The WorldFood Azerbaijan-2013 exhibition is dominated by companies representing countries of the CIS and Europe. Local companies make up 38 per cent of the total number of participants and are also quite active at the show. The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is represented by a separate pavilion demonstrating the famous mineral waters of Nakhchivan, as well as salt, flour and confectionery products.

This year’s food industry exhibition brings together about 180 companies from more than 30 countries around the world.

The increase of the exhibition floor area by 40 per cent as compared to last year shows a steady growth of interest in the event.

It was emphasized that the seventh Agrihort Azerbaijan-2013 exhibition, conducted at the same place with the food industry exhibition, brings together leading representatives of the agrarian sector, as well as producers and procurers of agricultural products. The exhibition displays agricultural equipment, including the equipment for poultry farms and greenhouses, as well as irrigation systems, seeds, fertilizer, feed for animals and fish, and other products.

The President of Azerbaijan reviewed the exhibition pavilions.

While reviewing the stand of the US Meat Export Federation, the head of state was informed that this organization is engaged in advertising the meat products produced in the United States around the world, creating new opportunities and expanding the existing international markets for the production of red meat from this country. The company is also a non-profit organization which carries out activities to inform consumers about the quality indicators of meat produced in the United States.

Then the President of Azerbaijan examined the stand of the Dutch company Royal Brinkman. It was reported that the company, founded in 1885, is engaged primarily in manufacturing equipment for fishing farms and greenhouses, and has been one of the leading institutions in this field for 125 years. The company has more than 250 offices worldwide.

The main guarantee of its credibility is the high quality of services and products.

“AzFP Co LTD” LLC is widely represented in the exhibition. The dairy products and ice cream of around 50 types manufactured under the Milla brand have earned the respect and sympathy of consumers. In addition, the company manufactures polystyrene and polypropylene bags and disposable plastic utensils. The products of the enterprise, which operates with a capacity of 250 tons per day, are in great demand among customers throughout Azerbaijan.

It was noted that the company “Zar Macaron”, the first and the largest manufacturer of semolina pasta in Iran, is also noted for high-quality products.

President Ilham Aliyev reviewed the stand of “Helmaks”.

It was indicated that the company manufactures high-quality products for the slaughter of sheep and cattle. “Helmaks” conducts continuous research to improve the quality of its products.

The “Shebekinsky machine-building plant OJSC” has 70 years of experience in the production of ovens for bakeries and pastry shops.

President Ilham Aliyev also examined the pavilion of Latvia.

It was noted that Latvia was represented at the exhibition by three companies. The purpose of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency of Latvia is to attract foreign investment, increase the competitiveness of Latvian entrepreneurs in both domestic and foreign markets and facilitate business development. The Latvian company “Jaunpils” is engaged in the production of cheese and curds without using any preservatives. Another company, “Laima”, headquartered in Riga, is Latvia’s largest manufacturer of confectionery products.

The head of state also visited the pavilion of “Grand Motors”.

It was brought to the President’s attention that the company displays agricultural machinery and equipment. In operation since 2005, the company has extensive experience in the import and sale of mainly construction and agricultural machinery. The company is also the official representative of the Italian companies “New Holland” and “Maschio Gaspardo” in Azerbaijan.

Another Azerbaijani company represented in the exhibition is “ASPI AGRO” LLC. The activities of the company, based on the use of modern technology and winemaking traditions of Azerbaijani, encompass a complete production process – from growing the grapes to the manufacture of high-quality end products.

Also represented in the exhibition is the German company “CLAAS Global Sales GMBH”. The company’s representative office in Azerbaijan offers agricultural machinery of the “CLAAS” brand. “CLAAS” has almost 100 years of experience in the development of high-tech solutions for agricultural machinery, which facilitate the work of farmers during the harvest season. The company also provides high-quality maintenance of equipment on agricultural lands and supplies spare parts.

Indonesia is represented in the show by a separate pavilion displaying sugar, spices, tea, coffee, cocoa, seafood and other products.

The local company “Azərtoxum” LLC provides farmers with highly reproductive seeds. The production capacity of the enterprise is 250,000 tons per year. Another company, “Azəryem” LLC, specializes in the production of environmentally-friendly feed.

While touring the pavilions, the head of state was informed that the exhibition is the biggest event in the field of food industry and agriculture in the Caucasus region. It will contribute to the development of relevant industries, expand cooperation between business people, improve the product quality and facilitate the use of modern technologies in production.

President Ilham Aliyev wished the exhibitions success.