'Sea Food Expo 2008' to host leading players from $400bn global seafood industry

In line with expectations of a 100 per cent growth for this year's exhibition, more than 60%of the exhibitor spaces have already been sold months prior to the event, as global companies seeking to leverage the booming Middle East seafood market sign up to establish a significant presence at the expo. The organiser has also revealed that the event will occupy a larger venue to accommodate the increased number of regional and global exhibitors at the event, which is slated to run from October 27 - 29, 2008 at the Madinat Arena Conference Hall in Madinat Jumeriah Hotel.

Following the success of last year's event, which has attracted 85 high profile seafood companies from across the globe, the organiser is anticipating the participation of more than 170 companies from 30 countries this year. 'Sea Food Expo 2008' will feature national pavilions, which have proven to be a huge hit among the 5,000 visitors present during last year's event. The organiser has also set a higher visitor expectation this year, as it gears up to welcome over 6,000 trade visitors from 63 countries.

"The massive potential of the Middle East as a marketplace for the rapidly growing global seafood trade is being recognised by large-scale seafood companies, thereby affirming the significance of 'Sea Food Expo 2008' as a comprehensive platform to cultivate business prospects," said Raees Ahmed, Director, Orange Fairs & Events.

"As we direct the spotlight towards seafood processing machinery, products and services this year, we are optimistic of the response the event will generate among top industry players. Our expectations for 100 per cent growth this year is supported by the encouraging influx of exhibitors, who seek to leverage the booming regional demand for high quality seafood products."

Confirmed exhibitors for 'Sea Food Expo 2008' include delegations from the U.K., Canada, Holland, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, India, China, Cyprus, Singapore, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Morocco, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Thailand and Sri Lanka. In addition to large-scale private companies, several government bodies from across the globe have also renewed their participation to establish a more significant presence this year. This includes the New Brunswick Department of Fisheries, the Consulate of Canada in Dubai, the Malaysian Department of Fisheries, the Vietnam Seafood Exporters Association, the Taiwan Frozen Seafood Industry Association and the National Fisheries Authority - Papua New Guinea.

"By offering a quintessential platform that will incorporate a vast array of industry knowledge and new technologies in seafood processing, 'Sea Food Expo 2008' seeks to catalyse a trend, which involves an active collaboration among players to further enrich business opportunities within the seafood market. Our goal is to provide a venue wherein local, regional and international companies can foster business relationships and facilitate an exchange of ideas that can result in further developments in processes, quality and best practices," concluded Ahmed.

Orange Fairs & Events is a leading Dubai-based organization that provides events related services especially in the Middle East market. The company promotes over 100 exhibitions annually in Africa, CIS, Middle East and Eastern Europe, covering industries ranging from general trade exhibitions, electrical and electronics, manufacturing, health, automobiles, gold & jewellery, metalworking, oil and gas, telecommunications, IT, printing & packaging, food & hotel, building & construction among others.