ShareCAIRO: Kuwait’s commitment to supporting national industries and expanding its market reach was showcased Tuesday at the ninth edition of the international food and beverage exhibition, “Food Africa 2024”, which opened its doors at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in Cairo. The exhibition, one of the largest of its kind in the region, attracted over 1,000 exhibitors from 39 countries, including a strong Kuwaiti presence.
Kuwaiti Ambassador to Egypt Ghanem Al-Ghanem underscored that Kuwait’s participation in “Food Africa 2024” reflects its ongoing efforts to diversify markets, with a particular focus on the Middle East and Africa. He also stressed the importance of such international exhibitions in creating opportunities for Kuwaiti businesses to forge new partnerships and expand their presence on the global stage.
“We are keen on supporting Kuwaiti industries, particularly in the food sector, and exploring new markets for our products in Africa and the Middle East,” Al-Ghanem said during his visit to the Kuwaiti pavilion at the exhibition. “Kuwait has made significant advancements in both product quality and market competitiveness, and this exhibition serves as an excellent opportunity for us to further these efforts.”
The Public Authority for Industry (PAI) is leading Kuwait’s participation, with a pavilion showcasing the nation’s finest food products. The Kuwaiti booth spans 128 square meters and features eight Kuwaiti companies, including: Al-Ameed Coffee, Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries, Al-Watan Sweets, Kuwait Company for Packaging Materials Industry ( K-Pack ), and Ahliya Group. These companies are presenting a wide range of food products, from dairy and pastries to traditional Kuwaiti sweets and health-conscious packaging materials.
Hammad Al-Zoubi, Director of Promotions and Export Opportunities at PAI, emphasized the exhibition’s importance for Kuwaiti businesses seeking to grow in new markets. “Food Africa is one of the largest trade events in the region, and this year’s edition offers an invaluable opportunity for Kuwaiti companies to enhance their international business prospects and explore new trade opportunities in Africa and the Middle East,” said Al-Zoubi.
Al-Ghanem expressed his appreciation for the strong and growing cooperation between Kuwaiti and Egyptian companies, emphasizing the importance of such partnerships in fostering trade and investment opportunities, noting that the exhibition served as an excellent platform for enhancing bilateral trade ties, particularly in the food sector. He also highlighted the positive impact of Egypt’s recent economic reforms, which he believes have made the Egyptian market even more attractive to foreign investment.
The event not only provides a platform for networking and business development, but also serves as a meeting point for exchanging knowledge and expertise across various sectors, including food, beverage, packaging, and labeling. It also includes a range of live cooking demonstrations, specialized sessions, and an exhibition dedicated to agricultural products, packaging innovations, and even the dates industry.
Ambassador Al-Ghanem noted that Kuwait’s participation not only enhances the visibility of its food sector but also highlights the growing importance of the country’s food industry in global trade. He pointed out the success of Kuwait’s past collaborations with international partners, especially within the broader African and Middle Eastern markets, and affirmed that the exhibition would help solidify these partnerships.
The Kuwaiti delegation to the exhibition includes Al-Zoubi and senior exhibitions specialist Salwa Al-Enezi. Their participation aligns with Kuwait’s broader goals of promoting its diverse industries and reinforcing its status as a dynamic force in international trade and industry. — KUNA
