The mega event - `Foodpro 99' - will also feature country pavilions representing major technology solution providers from Spain and the UK, which would exhibit the expertise and range of solutions for the agri-food business.

Business delegations from the UK, Spain, Finland, Australia and Sri Lanka, amongst others, would present a wide canvas for business networking, joint ventures, strategic alliances, technology transfers and investment opportunities, chairman Foodpro steering committee, Utpal Sen Gupta, told a news conference here this evening.

Spanning the entire food chain, from farmers to agro-producers, processors, technology solution providers, retailers and consumers, the event would feature the entire range of agri and food business, representing food and beverage, horticulture, dairy, poultry, marine, spices and oilseeds, joint secretary, ministry of food processing industries, the principal sponsors of the event, J Hari Narayan said.

Replying to a question, Hari Narayan said the level of investment in the food processing industry in India had increased manifold in the past one decade.

Asked if the WTO regime would have any impact on the food processing industry, he said it would definitely leave a `significant' impact, as there would be greater availability of processed foods in the country.

There would be at least six technical sessions on industry update, pre and post harvest management, brand building, emerging food trends, supply chain management, including cold chain management and success stories in the food industry.

Union minister of state for food processing, Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, and Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi will attend the inaugural function.