Department of Fisheries - Sicilian Region conducts seminar at Sea Food Expo 2007

The seminar was attended by representatives from the companies participating under the Italian pavilion at the exhibition and is aimed at increasing market penetration of Italian seafood products in the region. According to the latest industry figures, international seafood exports from Italy were valued at EUR44m (Dhs233m) in 2006.

The seminar featured Italian top-quality seafood products such as giant red and white prawns, small squids and octopus, and the famous Sicilian lobster, along with flavour-enhancing olive oil products. The speakers emphasized the high quality standards and nutritional benefits of Italian-processed seafood products, all of which are subject to strict quality, safety, production cycles, and export procedures. In addition, the organizers have identified luxury hotels, restaurants, and caterers in the UAE and Middle East as the primary target audience on account of the boom in the hospitality and food service sectors in the region.

"We recognise the tremendous opportunity in the Middle East seafood market, which has grown significantly as a result of increased demand for high quality and nutritional seafood products," said Maurizio Agnese, General Director, Department of Fisheries - Sicilian Region.

"Our participation in Sea Food Expo 2007 has provided us with a platform to explore business opportunities, gain exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing technology and meet various sourcing prospects, and we are optimistic to establish a name in this lucrative market by supplying the best quality products, which are native to our country."

Sea Food Expo 2007 is Middle East's first exhibition dedicated to the seafood industry, which was held from October 29 -31, 2007 in the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. The event, organised by Orange Fairs & Events, attracted the participation of 85 local and international exhibitors from 16 countries. The exhibition served as a forum for manufacturers, traders, importers and exporters to source global supplies of seafood and derived products, as well as establish key networks within the Middle East seafood market.

"Sea Food Expo 2007 was organised in response to the growing Middle East market for fisheries and aquaculture products, and we are very satisfied with the unprecedented response the show has generated from international and local exhibitors. The presence of top seafood producing countries such as Italy, Malaysia, and Taiwan is testament to the growing demand for high-quality seafood products, and the aim is to incorporate innovative and high-quality products and technology in the region," concluded Raees Ahmed, Director, Orange Fairs & Events.