MULLI BROTHERS LIMITED

From 28th May to June 1 2008

On the opening day of the conference, Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda unveiled a series of proposals for Africa, including the doubling of Japanese aid to US$1.9 billion (euro1.2 billion) and up to US$4 billion (euro2.6 billion) in flexible, low-interest loans for infrastructure projects over the next five years.

The African Fair in Yokohama, Japan attracted many African countries who exhibited various products from their respective countries. The African Fair 2008 was held in Yokohama from May 28 to June 1 by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). The fair was held alongside an official event of TICAD IV (The Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, that was also held from May 28 to 30 2008).  The overall theme was "Towards a Vibrant Africa: a Continent of Hope and Opportunity". The main purpose of the African Fair was to offer opportunity for African products and attract the interest of consumers and the private sector to expand the exportation of African products to Japan in the nearest future.

The Africa Fair provided an opportunity for discussion with businesses and government representatives from nations around Africa in order to introduce real-world examples, methods, and opportunities that catalyze investment, trade, tourism, and other business with Africa.

The opening session of TICAD IV was presided over by H.E. Mr. Yasuo Fukuda, Prime Minister of Japan and went on to announce Japan's intention to double its Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Africa by 2012. The Prime Minister also pledged to offer up to US$4 billion of ODA loans to assist Africa in developing mainly its infrastructure pledged to extend financial support of US$2.5 billion, including the establishment of the Japan Bank International Cooperation (JBIC).

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) IV Conference noted that to improve food security, it is necessary for countries, especially those with low agricultural productivity, to increase agricultural production and productivity. Much of this could be done through the promotion of high-value and niche crops, use of high-yielding seeds, and innovative expansion of agri-business and agricultural processing and technologies and wise use of natural

MULLI BROTHERS delegation the only private business company from Malawi to participate in this special fair was led by Mr Leston Ted Mulli; The Managing Director comprising of Wise Chauluka; Business Development and Administration Manager and Mr Mathews Binga Marketing Officer. The experience gained during the exhibition simply means Malawi has to work hard indeed to meet quality and quantity that the Japanese expect of African products. The land that is lying idle is a waste much to the envy of other developed countries. The good news is that MULLI BROTHERS LTD represented Malawi with high quality commodities ranging from produce, timber to tea. The MATECO tea from Mulanje produced under Mulli Brothers management of STECO tea factory was brewed right at the pavilion so Japanese could taste first grade tea. Our visitors to the pavilion learnt a lot about Malawi and that we exist which is the most important compliment. Malawi products have the potential to do better in Japan but it means the indigenous Malawians must take the lead most aggressively within and abroad. Collaboration and joint ventures can help the country to move forward and export most of its products for the good of Malawi. The appeal from Mulli Brothers Ltd is that Malawians must be patriotic enough to help our beloved country Malawi and graduate from poverty in the shortest time possible. Next time we expect many Malawians to participate for the growth of their businesses.

On the other hand MULLI BROTHERS LTD participated in the African Fair as a strategic way of promoting business and trading in general with the international community. This involvement and engagement as an indigenous company from Malawi is a commitment to ensure self empowerment in matters of socio-economic development in the country. The exhibition was well received by the Japanese counterparts and the people of Japan who expressed their liking for Malawi products. Mulli Brothers Ltd showed the following products:

Visiting the Malawi pavilion were Honourable Ministers like Dr Ken Lipenga, Henry Mussa and Dr George Chaponda and Professor Mkandawire of NEPAD special guests from Addis who also attended the Heads of State TICAD IV conference. The guests were highly impressed with the display work and the range of products that we showcased to the Japanese community.

For Japan, the meeting was an opportunity to assert its relevance in Africa at a time when rival China has been expanding its presence on the continent through massive aid and oil-linked investments.

The conference took place against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Africa determined to take responsibility for and to assert ownership over its own destiny, and an Africa increasingly confident and capable, itself, of determining that destiny," they said in a joint declaration.

The following are photos of MULLI BROTHERS showcase the African Fair 2008 in Japan that were taken during the function: