Luanda – The implementation of business partnerships, with emphasis on strengthening agri-food production in the country, was one of the main highlights of the 39th edition of the Luanda International Fair (FILDA 2024), which ended tonight (Sunday), in the Special Economic Zone (ZEE).
Held from 23 to 28 July 2024, under the motto "Food security and international partnership: the binomial of economic diversification", the largest business exchange assumed itself as a commercial event of international dimension in Angola, providing an opportunity to consolidate partnerships in the market and strengthen commercial ties, according to exhibitors.
The event, which featured more than 1,700 exhibitors, both national and foreign, compared to 1,350 in the previous edition, was also marked by the biggest flood ever, which for six days had the opportunity to interact and do business, in addition to showcase the country’s productive potential.
For the manager of the Marsiris farm, one of the exhibitors from the municipality of Luquembo (Malanje), Luís Cassoca, the balance was positive, as it received a lot of visitors and allowed the disclosure of various products on display, with emphasis on rice cultivation, one of the most consumed cereals in Angola.
According to the source, last year, rice production was approximately 10 thousand tons, with fields needing to be increased to reach 15 thousand tons.
In addition to rice, the farm also produced sweet potatoes and invested on pig creation, which is expected to produce 15 thousand tons of pork.
As for potatoes, for this first harvest, it is expected to have a total of 30 thousand tons.
The quality manager at Yokimbo, Jémima Miúdo, highlighted that, during the exhibition, it was possible to establish partnerships with several institutions, mainly future suppliers of raw materials.
“Our products can be found all over the country. We have a positive balance, because here at FILDA we are able to create great partnerships”, he stated.
Speaking to ANGOP, the cornmeal exhibitor, under the Yokimbo brand, said that, in addition to major partnerships, the event served to attract potential customers and financiers, which managed to screen contacts of other corn producers, which is the company's main raw material.
He mentioned that the corn processing factory, located in the Catumbela Industrial Complex, in Benguela, also presented its products.
With a daily production capacity of 250 tons of corn, he said that the factory has an advanced storage system, consisting of three external silos, providing space for up to 4,000 tons of corn.
Who also gave a positive note to FILDA 2024 was the corporate products manager of the Africell Businesses sales department, Ludieco João, taking into account the massive turnout of visitors to his stand and the event in general.
He highlighted that, for six days, his stand received many visitors and reinforced the list of contacts with companies interested in Africell's services.
Another exhibitor who also praised the event was Jackson Manuel, highlighting that, throughout the exhibition days, it was possible to establish contacts with different actors who deal with the products to boost productivity in a more targeted and sustainable way.
He considered FILDA as a space to further promote products and be close to customers.
“We felt that people were very interested in finding out more about our products during the fair”.
Unitel's Director of Marketing and Digital Business, Teodoro Fernandes, considered the event positive, highlighting the continuous commitment to innovation and excellence, with the company winning the Golden Lion in the Telecommunications and Technology category.
Among the products and services that were on display at the fair were agricultural goods, dried fish, drinks, farming and mining exploration equipment, as well as IT materials, banking services, insurance and business consultancy.
These products and services were divided into two pavillions and on the outside of the tents, where agricultural and mining equipment and machinery were displayed.
In addition, the visitors' interest also aroused the artisanal/handmade pieces and music of the traditional group from Lunda-Norte, Sassa Tchokwe.
A children's playground was also installed at the fair, which provided children with moments of joy and relaxation, attracting a greater number of children on Saturday and Sunday, two days with the highest number of visitors.
Before the closing day, the event organizers distinguished the exhibitors who stood out the most during the fair, with emphasis on the oil company Sonangol, which won the grand “Golden Lion” prize.
For six days, Angola's largest business exchange also received visits from the Vice-President of the Republic, Esperança Costa, the Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, government officials, diplomats, among other individuals.
Promoted by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in partnership with Eventos Arena, FILDA is the biggest showcase for national promotion, business and job promotion.
This edition, held in an area of 144 thousand square meters, 42 thousand of which were recreational exhibition areas, had the participation of 19 countries, with emphasis on South Africa, Namibia, Italy, Germany, Brazil, Portugal, USA, Korea South, Indonesia, Turkey and Canada.
Taking place in the ZEE – Special Economic Zone, Luanda/ Bengo, the event is an invitation to invest in Angola.
HM/QCB/CF/jmc
