5th African Fine Coffee Conference and Exhibition in Uganda

14 February 2008

The ICO was represented by its Head of Operations, José Sette, and Chief Economist, Denis Seudieu, at the 5th African Fine Coffee Conference and Exhibition, in Kampala, Uganda, from 14 to16 February 2008, which had as its theme “Coffee: Your pleasure, our livelihood”. On behalf of the Executive Director, the Head of Operations gave the keynote speech, highlighting the key features of the 2007 Agreement, as well as providing an overview of ICO coffee development projects and the world coffee market. Over 500 delegates from the private sector, government agencies, research institutions and international financial and development organizations participated in the event. During the visit, contacts were made with Member countries regarding the implementation of coffee development projects and procedures for the signature and ratification of the new Agreement. Both ICO representatives also attended the 4th African Coffee Scientific Conference, where Mr. Sette gave the keynote address on the role of the ICO with regard to sustainability and coffee development projects and Mr Seudieu presented a paper entitled “Responding to emerging scenarios in the world coffee market through targeted research and development”.