The largest autumn international food exhibition in Russia, WorldFood Moscow, has opened in Crocus Expo yesterday. It occupies four exhibition halls with Russian and foreign manufacturers from 65 countries demonstrating a wide range of food products. The business program is also very extensive: there will be 25 events, including a presentation by retail experts from different countries, leading analysts and heads of successful companies.
For the third year in a row, Azerbaijan is the exhibition's partner country. Traditionally, the products of the republic are presented at the Made in Azerbaijan single national stand.
"In 2016, our president signed a decree stipulating the promotion of the 'Made in Azerbaijan' brand. It provides many interesting opportunities for our entrepreneurs. One of the tools which we provide for entrepreneurs is the organization of a national stand at international exhibitions. Russia is the leader in non-energy exports, so participation in such events as WorldFood Moscow and other venues is very important for us. The good news is that the total stand area now exceeds 400 square meters, and the total number of participating companies and organizations exceeds four dozen," acting President of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Fund (AZPROMO) Yusuf Abdullayev said.
The opening ceremony of the forum was attended by representatives of relevant ministries and departments, diplomats of foreign states and public figures.
Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Russia Polad Bulbuloglu spoke about the republic’s economic achievements and cooperation with Russia: "The Republic of Azerbaijan is one of Russia's stable, reliable and historically traditional trading partners. Our relations in economy, as well as in other sectors are developing dynamically. In 2018, trade between the two countries increased by over 19%, and over the 7 months of 2019, this figure grew by more than 23%. The basis of Azerbaijani exports is traditionally food products. Moreover, our country is one of the leaders in export of tomatoes, cucumbers, pomegranates, persimmons, walnuts, jam, some varieties of vegetables."
This year, for the first time,Azerbaijani cuisine dishes in great variety are presented at the exposition. The exhibition presents Baku tomatoes, pomegranates and other agricultural products, as well as persimmon desserts, confectionery, juices and alcoholic drinks.
"We found [at the exhibition] Azerbaijani hazelnuts of very good quality. We want to make a deal [on supplies]," visitor of Crocus Expo Robert Akhmedov said. Another visitor Yuri Zakharov, said: "Azerbaijani pomegranate juice is the best juice. I wish its suppliers all the best - welcome to the Russian market."
China, Argentina, Turkey, Morocco and other countries also present their products. WorldFood Moscow 2019 is being held until September 27.
