Egypt’s Minister of Trade and Industry Nevine Gamea, on behalf of the Prime Minister, inaugurated the sixth edition of Food Africa 2021 exhibition, which will run from 12 to 14 December, with the participation of 400 local and international companies.
The exhibition is held in cooperation with a number of strategic partners, namely Food Export Council, Agriculture Export Council, Egyptian Commercial Service, and Egyptian Food Safety Authority.
Minister Gamea noted that the exhibition is one of the largest international trade fairs specialized in food and agricultural industries on the continent, as the current session of the exhibition includes a large number of products, including vegetables, frozen fruits, pasta, sweets, baked goods, sweets, juices, beverages, preserved foods, dates and dairy products.
She pointed out that the ministry has prepared an action plan to move towards Africa based on enhancing the benefit from regional integration agreements signed between Egypt and its various partners from African countries and groupings. In addition to, providing more incentives for Egyptian exports to the countries of the continent within the framework of the new programme to support exports and return the burdens, which includes an increase in the percentage of support shipping cost to Africa is 80%.
Gamea added that the food industry exports during the first 9 months of this year amounted to about $3.1bn, compared to $2.6bn in the same period last year, with an increase of 19%, as the sector’s exports ranked third as the largest export sector.
She further added that the most important countries receiving the sector’s exports include Saudi Arabia, the United States of America, Jordan, Algeria and Libya.
The minister pointed out that Egypt’s exports of agricultural crops amounted to approximately $1.976bn during the first 9 months of this year, compared to $1.822bn, an increase of 8% in the same period last year. Meanwhile, the most important receiving markets for Egyptian exports include Russia, Saudi Arabia, Britain, and the United Arab Emirates. The most important agricultural crops exported include rice, grains, onions, garlic, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, citrus fruits and peanuts.
