DUBAI: The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently organised a number of briefings to highlight trade and business opportunities that Eurasian food exporters can offer companies in the UAE. Hosted on the sidelines of Gulfood 2017, the briefings were held over the course of two days, while the events were attended by 350 delegates from the UAE and Eurasia.
Delegates and speakers included Ms. Ketevan Bochorishvili, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Georgia, Mr. Igor Brylo, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Republic of Belarus, Mr. Dzhambulat Khatuov, First Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Russia, heads of various investment promotion agencies, senior Dubai Chamber officials, representatives from Dubai Municipality, and the emirate’s business community. Presentations during the event focused on new opportunities for UAE-based businesses to strengthen and expand ties with food producers and exporters in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. Dubai Municipality informed delegates of food import packaging and certification standards and requirements within Dubai. Sessions were followed with business-to-business meetings where delegates discussed prospects for future partnerships and cooperation.
In his welcome speech, Mr. Atiq Juma Nasib, Senior Vice President – Commercial Services, Dubai Chamber, stated that Eurasia is a region of strategic importance to the emirate, adding that the Chamber has stepped up its efforts in recent years to enhance relations with Eurasian countries through its international offices and trade missions. “Eurasia possesses enormous agribusiness potential to contribute to the UAE’s food security. The region includes many markets that yield high quality produce, and there is plenty of scope to expand trade with this part of the world,” said Mr. Nasib. Mr. Nasib highlighted Dubai’s strategic position as a trade link in the GCC’s food chain and a major re-exporting hub for the region, adding that its excellent logistics infrastructure and supportive business environment make it a preferred market for food exporters around the world.
The briefings come after the Chamber led a number of trade missions to Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia and Belarus in recent years as part of its efforts to identify promising trade and investment opportunities for its members. Delegations also showcased the advantages and incentives that Dubai can offer manufacturers and exporters as the Middle and North Africa’s leading trade and investment hub. Through its international offices in Africa and Eurasia, Dubai Chamber connects many high-potential emerging markets with Dubai. These branches offer an ideal platform for businesses to connect with each other on many import and export opportunities.
