AZERBAIJAN COMPANIES FEATURED AT MAJOR U.S. FOOD TRADE SHOW

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2008

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USACC-led Delegation Showcases Products At the FMI Annual Convention in Las Vegas

Washington, D.C. - The United States-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC) last week led a government and corporate trade mission, showcasing Azerbaijani goods and products to the largest and most comprehensive food industry event in North America.

The USACC, in conjunction with the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promoting Foundation (AZPROMO), attended the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Annual Convention in Las Vegas with Azerbaijani companies Azersun Holding, Azpromo, Bakfem, Balacans, Elfem, Goychay Konyak, Gilan Holding, the International Bank of Azerbaijan and Milk-Pro. Azersun Holding and the International Bank of Azerbaijan were the major sponsors of the trade mission.

In another notable event during the trade mission, the USACC and the Consulate General of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles hosted a breakfast meeting at Luxor Hotel, where Azerbaijani food producers made presentation about their respective companies. "Azerbaijan is very much interested enhancing its relationship with the Western States," said Elin Suleymanov. "In this context, ties in non-energy sectors, particularly in agriculture and food processing, can be very important. This event is a good step in the right direction."

Mahir Iskender, the Executive Director of the USACC and Dr. Shapoor Ansari, a member of USACC's Board of Directors, joined by Mr. Suleymanov and Stan Olsen, District Director to Congressman Jon C. Porter of Nevada, spoke about the importance of forging stronger commercial ties between the US and Azerbaijan. Additionally, the Azerbaijani companies made presentations to the other attendees, and the Avi Crane, the President of Prime Produce International of California, spoke to the visiting companies about the benefits and challenges of working in the US food sector.

The event created an excellent opportunity for officials from both countries to speak about developments in U.S.-Azerbaijan business relations and the vast opportunities in Azerbaijan's food and agriculture sector.

The trade mission is an important step for forging U.S.-Azerbaijan trade relations.

For more information on this or other trade missions, please contact the USACC at (202) 333-8702

Source: USACC