DUBAI: Under the protection of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, a large Moroccan delegation is taking part in the International Trade Fair for Fruit and Vegetables, hosted by Dubai, United Arab Emirates, between 5 and 7 October.
According to an official statement, Morocco will be represented at the event by firms offering a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables, all within the framework of the Green Morocco strategy, which aims to boost the country’s exports overseas, particularly of food products.
Since its inception six years ago, this exhibition has become an important gateway to enter the Middle Eastern fresh produce market, with consumption of these products registering a significant growth in global terms.
Morocco already took part in last year’s edition, held in a total area of about 8,000 square metres, which featured more than 170 companies from 24 countries and attracted more than 5,400 professional visitors.
This trade show provides real opportunities and meetings between producers and buyers of fresh produce at both regional and international level.
Last year, the United Arab Emirates imported food products worth $ 15 billion, making it the second largest importer in the Gulf Region, with a 33% share of the total, only surpassed by Saudi Arabia, which accounted for 38%.
The total volume of food products exported by Morocco to this destination in 2014 stood at 5,051 tonnes worth 3.5 million dollars. Among the most important of these products, in terms of volume, were citrus fruits, with 30% of the total Moroccan exports, followed by tomatoes with 20%.