Saudi Agriculture 2013 draws to a close attracting more than 20,000 visitors and over 300 exhibitors from 13 countries

Riyadh – 18 September, 2013: Saudi Agriculture 2013, the 32nd International Agriculture, Water and Agro-Industry Show, concluded today (September 18, 2013), which was organized by Riyadh Exhibitions Company at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. More than 20,000 visitors attended the premier trade show that also saw the participation of over 300 exhibitors from more than 13 countries, including China, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Turkey, UAE and USA, across a 15000 m2 exhibition space.  

The four-day event, which was inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Fahd bin Abdulrahman Balghunaim, Saudi Minister of Agriculture, served as the perfect platform to shed light on the numerous investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia's agricultural sector. The event also highlighted the strong support that the Kingdom's government was extending to this sector, which has been a key factor for attracting regional and international investments.

This edition of Saudi Agriculture generated overwhelming feedback from exhibitors. S.S. Nayyar, representing the Indian contingent at the show, said, “This was the fourth consecutive year that India was participating at the event. In the first year there were 22 Indian companies and this year saw 42 companies from India present at the event, looking to capitalize on the vast trade opportunities between KSA and India, especially considering that we are Saudi Arabia's fourth largest trading partner. General trade between the two countries was valued at USD 43 billion in 2012-2013 and Indian exports of food and agro products to KSA reached USD 1.2 billion during the same period. Saudi Agriculture was a very important platform for Indian companies to connect with Saudi partners and investors, and the significance of this show to us is evident by the increasing growth in the size of our participation in this premier event every year.”  

J. Guna Sekaran, also representing the Indian pavilion, added, “The Saudi market holds a lot of potential because of the population growth and the overall prosperity of the Kingdom. Moreover, India is facilitating Saudi Arabia's move towards food and water security by investing in lands outside the country to fulfill the local demand, especially for wheat, and India is very cooperative in this field.”
  
Saudi Agriculture 2013 provided the ideal business-to-business platform for exhibitors and trade visitors to capitalise on the growth of the Saudi agriculture and food market that has been achieving the largest growth levels in the region and holds major potential for new businesses.

Saudi Agriculture 2013 showcased the latest in Animal Health & Production, Agricultural Finance & Banking, Agricultural Products & Services, Chemicals & Fertilizers, Cold Storage & Crop Production, Dairy Farming Products & Equipment, Fisheries & Fish Farming, Greenhouses, Handling & Transport Systems, Irrigation & Landscaping Equipment, Machinery & Spare Parts, Organic Farming, Packaging Systems & Products, Pesticides, Pumps & Pipe Systems, Seeds & Soil Nutrition Products, Spraying Machinery, Water Treatment, Water Management Systems and Warehousing.

Saudi Agriculture 2013 was held concurrently with Saudi Agro-Food 2013 and Saudi Food-Pack 2013, featuring the latest products, technologies and services in areas ranging from frozen and chilled foods, confectionery, chocolates, health and natural foods, to presentation, processing and packaging equipment.

Regarded as the Middle East's largest agriculture exhibition, Saudi Agriculture is accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. ARASCO and Fakieh are the Diamond Sponsors while IYA Investments is the Gold Sponsor of the event.