Int'l Trade Fair that Draws In Exhibitors from 16 Countries Opens  

Addis Ababa June 08/2023 (ENA) A three-day international agrofood, plastic printing and packaging trade fair, which has attracted exhibitors from 16 countries, kicked off in Addis Ababa today.  

Some 130 exhibitors from 16 countries, namely Austria, Bulgaria, China, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Thailand and Türkiye are taking part in the trade show.

Opening the trade fair, Industry State Minister Hassan Mohammed said the Agrofood Plastic Printing Packing Ethiopia Trade Fair serves as a platform to showcase the immense potential of the nation, foster collaboration, and unlock investment opportunities.

By bringing together stakeholders from across the globe, this gathering provides a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, share technologies, and highlight best practices that will propel Ethiopia's industries to new heights, he added.

According to him, the Ethiopian government is actively inviting both local and foreign potential investors to contribute to agro-industrial parks.

"We offer an array of incentives to those who demonstrate interest and commitment to working hand in hand with us," the state minster stressed.

The Agrofood Plastic Printing Packing Ethiopia Trade Fair is organised by the German trade show specialist Fairtrade Messe in cooperation with local partner Prana Events.

According to the organizers, the trade fair is the most important business platform for the Ethiopian agrofood & plastprintpack industry.

Speaking at the event, Fairtrade Messe Managing Director, Paul März said companies are here due to encouraging market development and increasing interest in the Ethiopian market. 

The exhibitors will showcase adapted technologies and solutions in agriculture, food processing, ingredients, plastic printing and packaging, he stated.

Ethiopia is the second largest importer of plastics in primary form in East and Central Africa, the managing director said, adding that the country is one of the two largest importers of plastics technology in East Africa, with imports of 25 million Euro in 2021. 

März further noted that Ethiopia is one of Africa's fastest growing importers of printing and paper converting technology.

With packaging technology imports of 17 million Euro in 2021, Ethiopia is one of the largest importers of such technology in East Africa, which according to him is a very attractive business for producers.