Dubai food and beverage manufacturing sales hit AED3 billion in 2001

Compared with 2000, total sales last year grew by 4.4 per cent.

Around 50 food and beverage industry executives attended the first meeting yesterday at Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry of a new business group dedicated to the sector. The aim of the new group is to represent and articulate member interests more effectively with the support and legal backing of DCCI. Just over 100 food and beverage manufacturers in Dubai are members of the Chamber.

Chairing yesterday's meeting, Dr Anwar Gargash, Member of the Board and Head of DCCI's Economic Affairs and Commercial Activities Committee, said:

"Through the formation of these new groups, DCCI hopes to strengthen its ties with members and become better equipped to help administer their affairs and transactions with different departments and authorities in the UAE and abroad."

So far, new business groups have been created for sectors representing foodstuffs trading, land transport, pharmaceuticals and health equipment trading, building materials trading and manufacturing, and printing and publishing. The first meeting of the Exhibitions and Conference Organisers Business Group will take place at DCCI on November 17.

Dr Gargash continued: "Though the new groups will be essentially autonomous, DCCI's association with this initiative provides greater legitimacy, credibility and an important legal framework to help members express their mutual interests more confidently and effectively."

Abdul Rahman Al-Mutaiwee, Director General of DCCI, and Ahmed Al Banna, Assistant Director General for Studies and International Affairs, also attended yesterday's meeting.

Mr Al Banna gave a short presentation on the growth of the food and beverage sector in Dubai, while Mr Al-Mutaiwee explained the facilities available to group members at the Chamber.

Yesterday's meeting concluded with an agreement by members to elect a committee of between eight to 11 members to head the new Food and Beverage Manufacturing Group. Members will vote on nominations at a meeting attended by DCCI shortly.