SIAL Middle East, the regional edition of one of the world's largest food fairs set to take place next month in Abu Dhabi, will host eight national pavilions from Argentina, China, France, Hong Kong, Iran, Thailand, Turkey, and the United States. The pavilions will feature international companies showcasing an array of food products and services, some of them never seen before in the region.
Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, Director of Communication, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority commented: “As one of the region’s most open economies, UAE sustains an influential ethnic and multicultural cuisine. We continue to adopt various measures to ensure food safety amidst the diversity of cuisines in the country and offer a congenial atmosphere for international food investors, companies and authorities exploring the new markets.”
Turkish pavilion is the show’s largest exposition featuring 27 companies at its pavilion. Last year, bilateral trade volume between Turkey and UAE was worth USD 3.5 billion.
Gokhan Adanali, Commercial Counsellor at Turkish Embassy, Abu Dhabi said: “UAE is the largest trading partner of Turkey among the GCC countries. During 2009, Turkey exported food products valued at USD 115 million to UAE. It is expected that a larger share of UAE investments abroad will target agriculture and food sectors in Turkey as it offers excellent business opportunities in its agriculture and food sector.”
The French pavilion, organized by SOPEXA with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, will feature a group of companies from various sectors including fine food, confectionary, bakery and fruit and vegetables. These companies are mostly new exporters to the Middle East, offering visitors a unique opportunity to discover new products from France.
"It is a great opportunity for French companies to develop their market share in the region,” said Eric Santier, Sopexa Middle East’s Country Manager.
“France is one of the leading suppliers of agri-food products on the global market; nearly a third of France’s food production is exported beyond the country’s borders. With a French pavilion on the SIAL Middle East, we efficiently support companies looking for new business developments and partnerships in the region."
Thailand pavilion supports the “Thai Kitchen to the World” programme backed by the Thai Government. The programme encourages the establishment of Thai restaurants overseas and promotes exports of raw food materials. The first phase began in 2004; and the second phase aims to grow Thailand’s annual food export income to around USD 27 billion.
At present, there are 13,100 overseas Thai restaurants. Around 18 per cent of these are in Asia and the Middle East, which ranks among the top 6 food export markets of Thailand.
The Iranian delegation will showcase food stuffs, such as dried fruits, dates and saffron apart from design, manufacturing and food packaging machinery.
“The UAE is one of the most important marketplaces for Iranian products,” said Ali Khaksar, Abroad Exhibitions Director, Mashad International Exhibition Company – organiser of the Iranian pavilion. “Last year, Iran's exports to the UAE were worth USD 2.8 billion, with food products over USD 450 million. The export value of pistachio, one of Iran’s major food products, reached USD 152 million. Saffron exports were at USD 60 million, while raisins were at USD 23 million.”
Other national exhibitors include Argentina, which has accommodated overwhelming requests for additional exhibition space in order to include more companies.
