The Asean Ethnic Foods Festival was jointly inaugurated yesterday by the ambassadors of Asian countries at the LuLu Hypermarket, Gharafa. Ambassadors from Japan, China, Thailand, Philippines, South Korea, Indonesia and Sri Lanka were joined by dignitaries and senior executives from leading business groups in the retail industry at the inauguration. “The festival is a part of the ongoing Food Fiesta 2012 at all LuLu Hypermarkets and the objective is to celebrate the culinary heritage of the East and introduce and promote the foods and food habits of different Asean countries,” said a senior LuLu official. The event was also conceptualised to accelerate the imports of agricultural produce from Asean countries. LuLu is among the largest retailer in the Middle East and a major importer of agricultural produce from Asean countries. Well-designed pavilions showcase some 76 fruits and vegetables from Asean countries were available on display. LuLu Hypermarket regional director Mohamed Althaf said the event is a ‘timely effort’ at promoting Asean ethnic foods among the communities in Qatar. “Asean countries are playing a vital role in food safety and we are looking forward to co-operating more with our partners from the Asean region to accelerate imports,” he said. LuLu’s official spokesman said the Food Fiesta will end with a cookery contest on May 12 at the LuLu Hypermarket on D-Ring Road. The Peninsula

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