Kiev, Ukraine, Aug 10, 2010
— IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has helped bring the world’s biggest forum for apple and pear producers to Ukraine for the first time, connecting Ukrainian fruit producers with new partners and customers to drive greater demand for their products.
IFC co-hosted Prognosfruit 2010, this year’s annual international congress of the World Apple and Pear Association, held August 4-6 in Kiev. Considered the industry’s most important yearly event, the conference provides a forecast for global apple and pear production for the coming year, and brings together producers from all over the world. In addition to IFC and the association, other co-hosts included the European Agricultural Union (COPA), and the General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives (COGECA).
“This event has helped put Ukraine on the map for us,” said Hans Van Es, Chairman of the COPA-COGECA. ”The world’s fruit market leaders now have an opportunity to form closer contacts and cooperation with Ukraine’s fruit producers, and we would not be here this year without the help of the IFC team.”
The conference attracted 300 participants from 20 countries and included a site visit to Ukraine’s Vinnitsa region where IFC is working with producers, suppliers and banks to help strengthen supply chains in the fruit sector. Participants also held a forum in Kyiv to discuss next year’s forecast for fruit production, implications for world markets, and emerging opportunities in Ukraine.
“Ukraine has the potential to become a leading agricultural producer because it has natural advantages such as geographic location and climate conditions,” said Elena Voloshina, IFC Ukraine Country Manager. “This forum is a stepping stone in IFC’s effort to help develop Ukraine’s fruit sector, opening new business opportunities and bringing much needed knowledge on international best practices to Ukraine’s agribusiness sector”.
In Ukraine, IFC supports the entire agribusiness value chain from farm production to collection, processing and distribution. To date, IFC has committed around $400 million to agribusiness projects in Ukraine, including initiatives to develop fruit and vegetable supply chains. IFC also provides an extensive advisory program to help maximize the country’s agribusiness potential.
About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in developing countries. We create opportunity for people to escape poverty and improve their lives. We do so by providing financing to help businesses employ more people and supply essential services, by mobilizing capital from others, and by delivering advisory services to ensure sustainable development. In a time of global economic uncertainty, our new investments climbed to a record $18 billion in fiscal 2010. For more information, visit
www.ifc.org