Food trade grows between Middle Eastern, African markets

Many look at trade shows like AB7, largest food, beverage expo on continent, as vehicle for exploring new markets, increasing growth.

Middle East Online

Middle East is an important potential market for African food products GAUTENG (South Africa) - “Africa is becoming a major new emerging market to the rest of the world due to its strong economic growth and rapidly expanding population of middle class consumers,” declares John Thomson, Managing Director of Exhibition Management Services, organisers of Africa’s Big Seven (AB7). “Africa is even more attractive as a market for Middle East companies due to its relative proximity.” A growing number of Middle Eastern producers are realising this and exploring trade links with African companies; many are looking at trade shows like AB7, the largest food and beverage expo on the continent, as a vehicle for exploring new markets and increasing growth. AB7 takes place from 15 to 17 July at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng. “The challenges and complexities of doing business in Africa remain,” adds Thomson. “But these can be overcome - AB7 is hosting a number of additional events this year; two of these can directly benefit traders interested in doing business in Africa - the DHL BRICS Africa Export Import Forum, and the ‘Future of Trade Africa’ business briefing.” The DHL BRICS Africa Export Import Forum is the only development briefing dedicated to showcasing the range of services and support available for BRICS intra-Africa trade. The ‘Future of Trade Africa’ is a sophisticated, in-depth commerce exchange and business match-making platform that gives business people the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in business in Africa. read more