Seafood trade in UAE tops Dhs1bn in 2008

Driven by its commitment to further developing the seafood trade in the Middle East, Orange Fairs & Events has announced the launch of the third annual 'Sea Food Expo', the region's only dedicated seafood event, which is slated to run from October 12 to 14, 2009 at the Madinat Arena Conference Hall, Madinat Jumeirah.

The organiser further revealed that it has sold 90% of the 2,666 sq. metre exhibitor space for the event, which attests to its growing importance among regional and global seafood companies.

In addition to the event's standard emphasis on seafood products and services, 'Sea Food Expo 2009' will delve deeper into the processing machinery equipment and packaging industry for the benefit of around 5,000 trade visitors from 73 countries whom the organisers are expecting to attend the three-day event.

Despite the economic slowdown, the organisers are expecting to attract more than 200 companies from 33 countries, on account of the market's sustained demand for high quality seafood and stability in the face of the global crisis. In addition, the expo is also set to feature 10 national pavilions this year.

Nafees Ahmed, Project Manager, Orange Fairs & Events, said:

"Significant opportunities remain in the Middle East for seafood industry players, as we continue to witness demand for high-value, quality seafood products within the retail and hospitality sectors despite the challenges posed by the economic downturn."

Ahmed added, "'Sea Food Expo 2009' will provide a boost to the regional seafood trade through excellent networking opportunities, innovative new technologies and breakthrough findings, which will help companies streamline their processes and achieve a higher level of productivity. We are optimistic of the response the event will generate among top industry players, many of whom have confirmed their participation right after the conclusion of last year's expo."

Set to attract buyers and representatives from the food service, hospitality, retail, import/export, packaging, and aquaculture services sectors, 'Sea Food Expo 2009' is hosting some of the UAE's largest seafood companies, including Deep Seafood LLC, East Fish Processing LLC, Continental Food Processing LLC, IFTRA, Ocean Fisheries LLC, ABT Consulting FZE, and Magenta Fish & Seafood Supply LLC.

In addition, relevant government organisations from across the globe, including Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters & Producers, Turkish Seafood Promotion Committee, Canadian Sablefish Association, New Brunswick Department of Fisheries (Canada), Marine Export Promotion and Development Authority - MEPDA (India), the Department of Fisheries of Malaysia, Department of Fisheries of Thailand, China Aquatic Products Processing & Marketing Association - CAPPMA, and Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries - MOMAF (Republic of Indonesia) have also confirmed their endorsement for and participation at the event.

Another highlight of 'Sea Food Expo 2009' will be the series of interactive demonstrations involving premium seafood, which will be conducted by Chef Stefan Czapalay, one of Canada's top seafood research and development chefs. In addition, a representative of the organiser revealed that they are preparing more activities and information-packed discussions, which will provide pertinent facts about the region's seafood market for the benefit of global visitors and participants. Companies from Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Jordan, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UK, USA, Yemen, and Vietnam have already confirmed their presence.

"By providing a common platform for seafood companies to converge and network with each other, we are nurturing a path for growth that can drive the regional seafood market's growth in the face of the current economic status. With more companies confirming their presence as we approach the opening date, we are expecting 'Sea Food Expo 2009' to uphold the history of success the previous editions of the event have established," concluded Ahmed.