June 1 2007, 11:09

First international produce forum "KazAgroFood-2007" started in Shymkent

The first international produce forum "KazAgroFood-2007" started in Shymkent in the first calendar day of summer. The date is symbolic because summer always reminds us about fresh vegetables and fruits; and, this region of the Republic is abundant with the produce. The forum is organized by Joint-Stock company "Kazagromarketing" and Akimat of Southern-Kazakhstan region under support of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the National Holding "Kazagro".

The fair and the exhibition foreran this agri-forum; both events occupied the central square of Shymkent city. Thirteen districts of the region presented their produce that day: they delivered more than 60 tons of various produce items.

Mr. A. Yesimov, the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Mr. O.Shukeyev, the Akim of Southern-Kazakhstan region attended the fair-exhibition. It is worth mentioning that the fair has been conducted for the third time along. The agrarian authority of the Republic said that the fair served as the prologue to the forthcoming two-days work of the produce forum. The event is also a stabilizing factor for the economy of Kazakhstan. This fact is proved by the planned discussion of the possible ways to solve the issue of the saturation of Republic's market with the produce. Such solution will help to further maintain the price decrease and to provide the population with the produce in winter period. In this regard the targeted dialog between the forum participants from the Central Asian countries and the foreign guests is very important, as well as the contracting agreements on the produce supplies to Kazakhstan, and seasonal export of the produce from the southern regions to the northern, central and eastern regions of the Republic.

The produce forum started the same day in the conference hall of "Shymkent" hotel.

Mr. A. Smailov, the Chairman of the Board of National Agri-holding "Kazagro" opened the event. Mr. Akhmetjan Yesimov, the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic said welcoming words to the participants. The forum participants had also a chance to listen to Mr. O. Shukeyev, Akim of Southern-Kazakhstan region; he outlined the opportunities of the region to grow produce, and stressed the perspectives of the industry development.

The informational support to the forum is provided by "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits".