UAE imports of seafood products to top $382m in 2008

The figures reflect a growth trend that is at par with the current unprecedented growth of the global seafood industry and this augurs well for 'Sea Food Expo 2008', which is slated to run from October 27 - 29, 2008 at the Madinat Arena Conference Hall in Madinat Jumeriah Hotel.

As the region's only dedicated seafood exhibition, it aims to provide a high impact platform and further fuel the industry's growth amidst global uptrend in export figures, which has seen a seven per cent increase to reach $92bn in 2007.

With international seafood exports representing 38% of the 145 million metric ton global seafood production, the UAE is getting ready to tap into this multibillion-dollar market by venturing into several aquaculture and fish farming projects. As one of the leading economies in the country, Dubai is aiming to establish itself as a seafood trading hub for the Middle East, leveraging its expansive fish market operations, which trade 10 to 15 tons of seafood daily.

'Sea Food Expo 2008' will present a prime opportunity for companies dealing with seafood to enter or expand their penetration into the thriving tourism and hospitality sectors in the Middle East, which is projected to bring close to 10 million tourists and affluent expatriates to the emirate by 2010.

"The booming population and economic progress of the Middle East is driving the seafood trade in the region, thereby opening up opportunities for global exporters to leverage the outstanding business therein,"

said Raees Ahmed, Director, Orange Fairs & Events.

"Much emphasis is being shone upon Dubai, which is rapidly emerging as a top destination for high quality seafood products. This led us to identify the emirate as the venue of 'Sea Food Expo 2008', which is aimed at providing a unique platform for regional and global seafood traders and buyers to expand their networks and initiate business with other companies."

In addition to the presence of a high potential market, Dubai's highly developed air and sea freight services and infrastructure also strengthen its competence as a top location for re-processing and re-exports of seafood products across the region. Confirmed exhibitors for 'Sea Food Expo 2008' include delegations from the U.K., Canada, Holland, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, India, China, Cyprus, Vietnam, Morocco, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Thailand, Brazil, Spain, Yemen, Mauritius and Sri Lanka. With a population with high disposable incomes, and a booming hospitality and food service sectors, 'Sea Food Expo 2008' aims to provide exhibitors the right platform to penetrate a market that demands a wide selection of high quality and specialty seafood and seafood products.

"The goal for this event is to gather all the players from the international seafood trade arena in a collaborative effort to enhance industry standards and share knowledge, which will elevate the benchmarks in the market today. We are expecting the $200m Dubai seafood market to serve as a launch pad for several small and mid-size companies, who seek to penetrate into the global scene, while providing a vehicle for new and innovative products to enter the global marketplace. Visitors can also expect to see the latest technologies in seafood processing, among other new developments in the industry," concluded Ahmed.

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. 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 Canadian Sablefish Association and The Marine Export Promotion and Development Authority (MPEDA) INDIA. 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.