The Seafood trade in the UAE is expected to register a 15 per cent growth in 2010 from its previous year, according to available industry statistics. The trade in the UAE has exceeded AED 1 billion, with imports and exports reaching more than AED 782 million and AED 165 million respectively and re-exports totaling to AED 108.5 million in 2008, according to industry statistics. The year 2009 did not witness a major change in the imports and exports from its previous year's annual statistics. However, the re-exports from the UAE in 2009 stood at AED179.5 million, according to available statistics.
The fourth edition of the annual Seafood Expo & Seafood Processing Expo, to be held from October 25-27, 2010 at the Al Bustan Rotana Convention Centre, will truly be an endorsement of the growth being witnessed by the country's seafood industry. Organized by Orange Fairs and Events, this year's Expo will see a record 140 participants from as many as 20 countries.
Mr. Raees Ahmed, Director, Orange Fairs and Events, said: "The region in general and UAE in particular is witnessing an unprecedented boom in the seafood trade. The present boom is significant after the industry witnessed a sluggish 2009, which led to a consolidation in the sector. The Seafood Expo 2010 will provide the ideal platform for the regional and global seafood traders and buyers to have an opportunity to network and initiate business with other companies"
He added: "Dubai has always been on the forefront of the seafood trade in the region. The status of being the regional economic and logistics hub has helped the seafood industry here to flourish and grow faster than any other city of the region. We are happy to state that the previous editions of the Seafood Expo have helped participants to sign many major business deals. This is perhaps evident in the number of participants every year in the expo. This year, we have seen overwhelming response with 90 per cent of the exhibition space sold four months prior to the event"
Such is the interest in the seafood industry here that six countries, namely Vietnam, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Thailand and India, are setting up special country pavilions at this year's event. Many International government departments and agencies have confirmed their presence at the event.
Amongst the major exhibitors who have confirmed participation at the Seafood Expo 2010 include China Aquatic Products Processing & Marketing Association; MINISTRY OF MARINE AFFAIRS & FISHERIES - REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA; Fisheries Development Authority - Malaysia, MARINE PRODUCTS EXPORT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY-INDIA, Department of Fisheries – Thailand, The United Republic of Tanzania
Amongst the UAE companies that have confirmed participation include MAGENTAS, Ocean Fisheries, East Fish Processing, International Food Trading, and Porche General Trading LLC.
At least 5000 trade visitors are expected to attend this 2010 Expo.
The Dubai-based Orange Fairs and Events is a leading organizer of international trade exhibitions, conferences, seminars, workshops, training courses and market research studies. Orange Fairs promotes over 100 exhibitions annually in Africa, CIS, Middle East and Eastern Europe. The exhibitions cover many industries ranging from General Trade Exhibitions, Electrical and Electronics, Manufacturing, Health, Automobiles, Gold & Jewelry, Metalworking, Oil and Gas, Telecommunications, Information Technology, Printing & Packaging, Food and Hotel, Building, and Construction amongst others.
