Press Conference for the 23rd International Exhibition of Livestock, Poultry, and Related Industries – Iran 2024 (Iran Plex)

Majid Movafegh Ghediri, Chairman of the Policy Council of the International Exhibition of Livestock, Poultry, and Related Industries, stated:

“The Iran Plex International Exhibition is one of the largest exhibitions in Iran and West Asia. The 23rd edition will be held from July 20 to July 23, 2024 (30 Tir to 2 Mordad 1403) under the slogan ‘Animal Feed: The Axis of Sustainable Development’ at the permanent venue of Tehran International Exhibitions on Seoul Street.”

Regarding the side programs, Majid Movafegh Ghediri said:

“In previous years, the exhibition was held with relatively limited side events. However, based on decisions made by the Policy Council, it was agreed that from this year onward, the exhibition will feature a much richer and more diverse program.”

This economic activist added:

“Key side events include a roundtable discussion titled ‘Animal Feed – Food Security, Production Boom, and the Seventh Development Plan’, as well as four specialized panels with the participation of representatives from both government and private sectors on the following topics:

He continued:

“This year, at the request of the Iran Trade Promotion Organization, a Policy Council was formed consisting of natural and legal persons, including representatives of major national associations across different links of the livestock production chain, the Iran Chamber of Commerce, top producers and exporters, state-owned and governmental holdings, and relevant managers from the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad and the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade. Nine meetings have been held over the past six months to ensure the best possible organization of the event. Nevertheless, in my opinion, the exhibition still has a considerable distance to go before reaching the standards expected of a truly national and international event in the livestock, poultry, and aquaculture sector.”

A member of the Board of Representatives of the Iran Chamber of Commerce emphasized:

“We cannot deny that a well-organized International Exhibition of Livestock, Poultry, and Related Industries can play a crucial role in shaping the short-term outlook for Iran’s animal protein production economy.”

The Chairman of the Policy Council of the 23rd exhibition added:

“Naturally, this year’s exhibition slogan positions the animal feed industry as the driving force of agricultural economy and is fully aligned with the country’s overarching economic direction, namely the slogan chosen by the Supreme Leader: ‘Production Leap with People’s Participation’.”

Movafegh Ghediri stated that the main objective of this year’s exhibition is to present the achievements of various links in the country’s protein product supply chain and to outline the future outlook. He explained:

“During the event, content and information will be delivered to two main audience categories: specialized visitors and the general public (including students, schoolchildren, and various social groups). In addition, numerous seminars and educational workshops will be conducted by exhibitors, featuring prominent domestic and international instructors.”

Ghediri added: “All exhibitors will conduct their promotional activities and performance presentations in line with the core slogan of the Policy Council, which is derived from this year’s national motto ‘Production Leap with People’s Participation’. We have asked every participant to creatively showcase their services, achievements, and innovations from the past year using modern and innovative methods.”

Key Differences Between Iran Plex 2024 and Previous Editions

The Chairman of the Iranian Feed Industry Association highlighted another major difference this year: “The active participation of all segments of the livestock and poultry industry — especially feed mills that play a critical role in sustainable livestock production. We have made special efforts to ensure that both the parent companies and their subsidiaries are present at the exhibition.”

He continued: “According to the decisions of the Policy Council, exhibitors in the sectors of feed supplements, concentrates, animal/poultry/aquaculture feeds, veterinary pharmaceuticals, and livestock/poultry equipment are specifically requested to prioritize the following themes during the event:

• Promotion and expansion of ready-made feed usage
• Improving product quality for better civil and professional management of production
• Raising societal awareness and belief in the pivotal role of the livestock, poultry, and aquaculture industries in inclusive national development”

Strengthening the Role of the Livestock and Poultry Sector in Employment and National Income

Ghediri outlined the top-priority objectives set by the Policy Council for the 23rd exhibition:

1. Development and promotion of modern equipment, artificial intelligence, and new products in supplements, concentrates, and feeds
2. Increasing the contribution of the livestock, poultry, and aquaculture industries to national production, employment, and income
3. Sharing and updating scientific and practical experiences among stakeholders to achieve the goals of the Seventh Development Plan

He emphasized that remarkable progress has already been made in these areas over the past year.

Specialized Service Desks from All Agricultural Sectors

One of the distinctive features of this year’s exhibition, according to Ghediri, is its interactive and two-way nature: “Specialized service desks from all departments of the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad will be set up throughout the exhibition. Every day, a senior official from the Ministry will be present at the Ministry’s booth to directly address requests and resolve issues raised by exhibitors and visitors.”

Additionally, members of the boards of national associations will be present at their respective booths throughout the four days to handle concerns from companies and visitors.

Dedicated Pavilion for Knowledge-Based Companies in Livestock and Poultry

Ghediri announced a dedicated Innovation and Knowledge-Based Technology Pavilion for the livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and feed industries: “Special facilities have been provided for knowledge-based companies. We have coordinated with the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology and the Innovation and Prosperity Fund to support their strong participation.”

Sanctions Should Not Halt Progress

Responding to a question, the Tehran Chamber of Commerce representative stressed: “The unjust Western sanctions must not paralyze us. All government and private sector officials are working to maintain the dynamism of the national economy in livestock production — a principle that has been central to the planning of the 23rd Iran Plex.”

Raising Public Awareness About the Livestock and Poultry Industry

Answering another question, Ghediri underscored the necessity of increasing public knowledge about the importance and functioning of the livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and feed industries: “Previously, we held talks and took concrete steps with the Ministers of Education and Higher Education to incorporate specialized and general content into school and university curricula.”

He added realistically: “Of course, expecting a four-day event to significantly raise public awareness about how milk, meat, and eggs are produced and supplied may be unrealistic. However, we have made arrangements for various age and educational groups — especially school and university students — to visit the exhibition and maximize their learning from this unique opportunity.”

Special focus has been placed on the presence of the academic community, as one of our main goals is knowledge transfer to industry and strengthening university–industry linkages. Guided tours for university students have been organized accordingly.

International Participation

Ghediri concluded: “In coordination with the International Affairs departments of the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, invitations have been extended to ambassadors from 39 key countries in the livestock and poultry sector to attend the opening ceremony. Commercial delegations from 11 target countries, including China, Turkey, Russia, neighboring countries, and Central Asia, will also be hosted.”

Highlights of This Year’s Side Events

According to the organizing committee:

• Training workshops in collaboration with Russian companies
• A conference on product registration and export development strategies to the Eurasian region
• Launch of the Competitiveness Enhancement System for the Feed Industry

The following will also be unveiled:

• The 2024 English edition of the Animal Feed Market Book
• Volume II of the Rotary Feed Book
• The Five-Year Strategic Plan for Iran’s Feed Industry

To diversify the feed basket, increase productivity, and reduce dependence on imported inputs (currently averaging 80%), a nationwide Call for Innovation, Technology, and Productivity in Animal, Poultry, and Aquaculture Feed Production has been launched.