The participation of South African companies in the popular exhibition has been made possible by the DTI through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) scheme, with the aim of increasing exports of South African manufactured products to Russia. The objective of the scheme is to develop export markets for South African products and services and to recruit new foreign direct investment into the country.
Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies said South Africa's participation in the exhibition is to promote the country's agro-processing industry in order to consolidate and establish market presence of South Africa in Russia.
He said this will also generate greater returns for the South African agro-processing and related industries at the show and within the Russian market, in alignment to the DTI's Market Diversification Strategy.
Davies said South African exporters are in a position to take advantage of the imposition of European Union sanctions and Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) relations by developing or maintaining a presence in this primary market.
"The popularity and reputation of the World Food Moscow trade fair have grown significantly over the last 20 years. The fair has grown to become a major meeting place for the food and drinks industry and a vibrant source of products for the Russian market. This provides an opportunity for increasing export sales from the South African agri-food industry, food retail, institutional and commercial catering," said Davies.
One of the DTI's strategic goals is to grow the South African manufacturing sector to promote industrial development, job creation, investment, and exports.
The exhibition is an annual event held in Moscow and it is an ideal platform for South Africa to showcase the country's products to a significant number of wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and restaurateurs.
Total trade between South Africa and Russia increased from R5bn in 2012 to almost R8bn in 2016. Major South African exports include fruits and nuts, manganese ores, beverages, spirits and vinegar, wine, electrical machinery, and equipment.
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