A delegation has visited Mozambique and South Africa in view of the next edition of Macfrut. A double presentation that confirms the centrality of the African continent for the fair which, during its 41st edition (Rimini Expo Centre, May 8-10), will include an entire hall dedicated to Africa. Valentina Piraccini and Chiara Campanini from the the export office attended the presentation.
Event in Mozambique
The first event took place in Maputo in front of a group of operators, the Italian Ambassador Gianni Bardini, the Ice Director in Maputo Paolo Gozzoli, the Head of the Aics Regional Centre in Maputo (Italian Agency for cooperation and development) Paolo Sertoli, officials from the Office VI at Aics and numerous representatives from international organizations including Fao and Unido (United Nations Industrial Development Organization). Mozambique, which has already taken part in various editions, urgently needs to increase its production and create a cold chain.
A market in Mozambique (Photo by VP)
“The search for technology and banks interested in investing in our agriculture are the main reasons that push us to attend Macfruit. We would like for the organizers and the Italian system to helps us bring the younger generations to visit the fair and see that agriculture does not only mean hoe and seeds, but it offers endless possibilities," commented Alcides Cintura, representative of Conselho Empresarial Provincial of the Manica province.
Unido representative Jaime Comiche also stressed the need to focus on the younger generations with technical visits, which are extremely important for training and innovation.
Alberto Giani, team leader of the agricultural sector at Aics Maputo, ha reminded how the participation of high officials from the Mozambique Ministry of Agriculture in the past supported the creation of the Centro Agro-Alimentare di Manica (CAAM) – credit facility of €35 million agreed with the Italian government – whose agreement is currently being signed by the Mozambique government.
In Cape Town, South Africa
Federica de Gaetano, official from the VI Office at Aics, illustrated the strategy for rural development and food security. The mission then continued with a visit to a few markets and agricultural businesses in Mozambique.
The next stop was Cape Town, where the 41st edition was presented to associations and entrepreneurs. South Africa also confirmed its attendance with 20 companies under the coordination of Wesgro (Western Cape Trade & Investment Promotion Agency). The companies that attended last year's edition gave a positive feedback and the objective of the participation will be the strengthening of the relations with Italy and Europe.