UAE imports of seafood products are projected to reach US $382 million in 2008, according to a recent study conducted by the Centre for Marketing Information and the Advisory Services for Fishery Products in the Arab Region.
This figure is on par with the current growth of the global seafood industry, according to organisers of Sea Food Expo 2008, Orange Fairs & Events.
"The booming population and the economic progress of the Middle East is driving the seafood trade in the region, opening up opportunities for global exporters," said director Raees Ahmed.
As the region's only dedicated seafood exhibition, Sea Food Expo, which is to take place at the Madinat Arena Conference Hall in Dubai's Madinat Jumeriah Hotel from October 27-29, aimed to provide a platform to fuel the industry's growth said project manager Nafees Ahmed.
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"The thriving tourism, hospitality and F&B sectors in Dubai offer a strong potential market for seafood suppliers, and Dubai's highly developed air and sea freight services and infrastructure also make it an ideal hub for re-processing and re-exports of seafood products across the region," he explained.
"This is reflected in the way the exhibition has grown in size year-on-year. This year's event will be 100% bigger than last year, with more than 170 companies from 30 countries taking part."
Confirmed exhibitors this year include delegations from the UK, Canada, Holland, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, India, China and Vietnam, as well from the Middle East and North Africa.
Ahmed added that more than 6000 trade visitors from 63 countries were expected to attend the event.
"The goal is to gather players from the international seafood trade to enhance industry standards and share knowledge."
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