DUBAI: Dubai currently imports about 11 thousand tonnes of fruits and vegetables per day, of which 30% to 40% are re-exported to many of the neighbouring countries in the region, as confirmed at a meeting held by the Ministry of Economy with the leading suppliers of the Al Aweer market in Dubai.
The suppliers confirmed that both the decline in the Euro exchange rate against the dollar as well as the lower oil prices have greatly contributed to making importing from EU countries easier, noting, for example, that potatoes are imported from France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, and that the import costs for some fruits, like apples and oranges, have dropped by nearly 30%.
Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi, director of the Consumer Protection Department in the Ministry of Economy, also met with leading fruit and vegetable supplier in the Emirate of Dubai. The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the ministry and all suppliers, emphasising the need to preserve the stability of the markets and prevent high commodity prices, especially ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
He explained that all efforts will go for the most demanded fruit and vegetable varieties to maintain their prices during the holy month of Ramadan, noting that suppliers are getting ready by raising import levels in order to ensure the provision of all basic commodities needed by consumers.
