Canadian fish and seafood exports to the MENA region top CAD 7.6 million in 2007

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Canadian fish and seafood exports across MENA climbed to over CAD 7.6 million in 2007, recording a 43 per cent increase when compared to the previous year, according to data released by the Consulate of Canada in Dubai. With the aim of taking a larger share of the regional seafood market, 15 Canada-based companies are set to take part in ‘Sea Food Expo 2008’, the region’s only dedicated seafood exhibition, which is slated to run from October 27 – 29, 2008, at the Madinat Arena Conference Hall in Madinat Jumeriah Hotel, Dubai. The participating companies, as well as specialised organizations concerned with the development of the Canadian fish and seafood industries, will join the country pavilion to be hosted by the Canadian Consulate in Dubai.

Canada is the world’s fourth largest exporter of fish and seafood products, exporting to approximately 130 countries. Over 30 percent of Canada’s fish and seafood exports to the MENA region find their way to the UAE marketplace. The booming demand for higher-end seafood products such as scallops, lobster, crab, shrimp, oysters, mussels, and salmon in the region, especially in the dynamic growth economies like the UAE, has attracted the attention of top Canadian seafood players, thereby prompting them to establish a significant presence at this year’s ‘Sea Food Expo’.

“The growth of the hospitality sector and the rising number of ever-more affluent and demanding tourists are driving growth for innovative foodservice menus featuring high quality and variety when it comes to fish and seafood products. This is recognized as an important market opportunity by an increasing number of Canadian seafood companies,” said Rick Seguin, Consul and Trade Commissioner, Canadian Consulate Dubai. “The presence of state-of-the-art air cargo handling facilities and new non-stop Canada-UAE air services is also fuelling Canadian seafood players’ interest in fully leveraging this profitable market. Our efforts to support a delegation of exporters to ‘Sea Food Expo 2008’ is designed to expand the market-reach of Canada’s many and varied seafood products, so as to have them become a highly sought-after menu item of choice in the finer hotels and restaurants right across the region.”

Canada’s stringent fish inspection and control systems largely contribute to the world class reputation held by its seafood products, which are also currently being delivered to a number of five-star hotels across the Middle East. This highly reliable quality assurance will be an important marketing consideration as the Canadian participants promote their products at the ‘Sea Food Expo 2008’. These exporters also recognise this event to be an ideal platform from which to build an expanded market presence within the highly profitable regional markets, by leveraging the extensive reach, influence, and networking opportunities presented by the show.

“Due to the strong demand for quality seafood products, especially in the UAE, large seafood producers are drawn to the regional market with aims of exploiting the opportunities in supplying the vast amount of seafood required. The participation of the 15 Canadian companies at ‘Sea Food Expo 2008’ will provide them with an effective venue to strengthen and reaffirm the position of their premium products, thereby building on Canada’s reputation as a leading exporter of high quality seafood products in the world,” concluded Nafees Ahmed, Project Manager, Orange Fairs & Events.

Following the success of last year’s event, the organisers are anticipating the participation of more than 170 companies from 30 countries this year. Confirmed exhibitors for 'Sea Food Expo 2008' include delegations from the U.K., Holland, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore. In addition, several government bodies from across the globe have also renewed their participation including the Malaysian Department of Fisheries, the Vietnam Seafood Exporters Association, the Taiwan Frozen Seafood Industry Association, and The Marine Export Promotion and Development Authority (MEPDA) from India. As for the Canadians, their presence will also include the Canadian Sablefish and the Underwater Harvesters Associations, as well as Government fisheries-related market development agencies from the Provinces of Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.

© 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)