Saudi Arabia remains the Middle East's largest market for agricultural products and technologies, posting a steady eight percent average annual growth. The Kingdom imported more than SR25.5 billion worth of agricultural products in 2008, an impressive increase of 42 per cent over the previous year. This year, agricultural projects are expected to account for 23 percent of the country's expected SR181 billion private sector investments, enhancing KSA's status as major player in the regional agribusiness. Set to reaffirm the Kingdom's dominance in the fast-growing agriculture sector, this year's Saudi Agriculture 2009 – the 28th International Agriculture, Water and Agri-industry Show, will gather leading international agricultural investors and companies, manufacturers, and key decision makers to identify new business opportunities in Saudi Arabia and showcase the latest in agricultural machinery, equipment and products. Organized by Riyadh Exhibitions Company, Saudi Agriculture 2009, the largest specialized agricultural event in the Middle East region, will run on Nov. 1- 4, 2009 at the Riyadh International Exhibition Center, and will be held concurrently with the Saudi Agro-Food Industries, the 16th International Trade Show for Food Products, Processing and Packaging Technologies. “The Saudi government has been investing heavily in irrigation projects to develop its arable land, with the aim of addressing both a rapidly growing population and burgeoning demand for food and food-related products. There is an urgent need for advanced irrigation equipment, water management technologies and services, and related products such as high-yield seeds in order to satisfy the country's increasing agricultural requirements. These are thus very advantageous times for local and international firms to boost their presence and investments within Saudi Arabia's agricultural sector,” said Khalid Daou, project manager of Saudi Agriculture at Riyadh Exhibitions Company. “The Kingdom relies on growth areas such as agriculture to advance its economic diversification strategy. Saudi Agriculture 2009 will provide valuable insights into the technologies, trends, techniques and issues related to one of Saudi Arabia's top three economic sectors,” added Daou. Saudi Agriculture 2009 will accommodate more than 350 exhibitors from over 20 countries and is expected to surpass the record 10,165 visitors achieved in the previous edition. The event will offer a total of 15,000 square meters of indoor exhibition space and 5,000 sqm of outdoor exhibition grounds at the newly opened state-of-the-art Riyadh International Exhibition Center. Since its inception in 1981, Saudi Agriculture has delivered excellent exposure for regional and international producers, exporters, agents and distributors. The latest edition will host high-ranking Agriculture Ministry officials and policy-makers, and will feature up to 29 diverse categories, including handling and transport systems, irrigation and landscaping equipment, chemicals and fertilizers, packaging systems and products, equestrian products and services, and spraying machinery.
