Cuito – The 5th edition of the Potato and Corn Fair in the province of Bié, to be held from 19 to 24 August this year, could generate a turnover estimated at approximately 500 million kwanzas, compared to 400 million in the previous.
The information was provided on Tuesday night in the city of Cuito by the coordinator of the Organizing Committee of the fair and vice-governor for the Political, Social and Economic sector of Bié, Alcida de Jesus Camatele Sandumbo, during the dinner-conference to launch this edition of the fair.
The event was led by the provincial governor, Celeste Elavoco David Adolfo.
Under the motto “Bié - producing to guarantee food and nutritional security”, the event will bring together more than 300 exhibitors, including entrepreneurs from the agricultural sector, manufacturing and extractive industries, commerce, services, government and diplomatic entities.
According to the coordinator, they will exhibit a total of 1,500 tons of corn and 500 tons of beans, as their chosen products, in addition to other diverse crops.
She also reported that the municipal administrations, unlike in previous editions, will participate with more exhibitors, and separately, in order to allow greater representation and exposure of their potential. As another new feature, she revealed the implementation of a tourist itinerary, which aims to visit several tourist areas of the province. She set the goal of surpassing the indicators of the last edition.
With the holding of the 5th edition, he said that the aim is to achieve several objectives, such as creating a space for the presentation and exhibition of agricultural products, resources, equipment and other services within the entrepreneurial spirit of the various local and national entities, showcasing the agricultural potential of the province, with a greater emphasis on corn and potatoes, as well as boosting local production and encouraging citizens to cultivate agricultural production.
Asured that an independent, free and professional jury will be created to evaluate the exhibitors in the various categories, such as best exhibition, best producer in the business sector, best producer in the family sector, innovation and creativity, most visited stand and best cultural participation.
He added that the competition also includes the categories of best municipal administration, best participation by provincial offices, best participation by public companies, best participation by private companies, best stall and grand prize.
Governor proposes Expo-Bié for 2025 In her speech at the launch of the 5th edition of the Fair, the governor of the province, Celeste Elavoco David Adolfo, challenged the organizing committee and the business community to make a joint effort to develop Expo-Bié from 2025 onwards.
According to the governor, this will ensure more comprehensive and inclusive productivity, considering the levels of creativity and entrepreneurship in the productive sector and beyond, with important results from other cultures.
To this end, she recommended the need to start work as of next September and ensure levels of preparation that allow for an economic event to be held that attracts investors from all over the country and gives them the opportunity to discuss their brands, products and ideas.
Expectations for the 5th edition For the Chairperson of the Bié Chamber of Commerce, Gil Januário, the event will once again be a unique opportunity to promote and create new commercial partnerships
that can elevate local products beyond the province's borders.
In his view, it is also a moment of great importance for the economic and social development of the region, as it promotes trade, industry and the exchange of knowledge and innovation in the agricultural
sector.
The agricultural entrepreneur Cidalino Ramos is participating for the fourth time and highlights the opportunities that the event provides for doing business.
For this reason, he once again said that he will take advantage of the event to present his potential in terms of citrus production of oranges, tangerines and lemons, as well as the results of the experiments in growing rice and wheat on his farm located in the commune of Cunje, municipality of Cuito.
The Potato and Corn Fair, which is held annually on the occasion of the city of Cuito and the province's national day, which is celebrated on 31 August, has also been attended by national exhibitors.
The launch ceremony of the fair was attended by members of the government, members of the National Assembly, judicial magistrates, members of the Public Prosecutor's Office, small, medium and large
producers, bank operators, investors, among other individuals from the public and private sectors. VKY/PLB/TED/DOJ
