UAE imports food products worth AED595 million from Western Australia

11/5/2015 4:33:55 AM

(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))

DUBAI 5th November 2015 (WAM) -- A delegation led by Minister for Agriculture and Food Fisheries Western Australia the Hon. Ken Baston is visiting the UAE to further expand trade between the two countries. Currently the UAE imports food products worth AED595 million from Western Australia WA annually.

"Food security is important issue for the Middle East as the region imports more than 90 percent of their total food requirements. We are here in the UAE to understand the country's immediate requirements within the food sector and also provide them with all the necessary information and support from Western Australia. We have had a very fruitful relationship for several years and we are here to nurture it further" Baston said.

The Minister and delegates met with the Director of the Food Safety Department of Dubai Municipality Khalid Mohammed Sharif Al Awadhias as well as prominent UAE companies in the food business.

"The Middle East accounts for over 97 percent of WA's live sheep exports in 2013-14. The top destinations in order of value were Kuwait Qatar Jordan and UAE" said Pankaj Savara Commissioner of the Western Australia Trade Office WATO.

"The UAE and Saudi Arabia are traditionally significant markets for Western Australian grains including barley canola wheat as well as sheep meat. This region is a diverse and valuable trading region for Western Australia's agrifood industries" said Baston.

"Western Australia is the powerhouse that drives Australia's economy accounting for a 46% share of total Australian exports. The UAE is one of Western Australia's biggest trading partners for mineral and agriculture commodities. With established business relations and growing bilateral ties Western Australia is fast increasing its presence in the UAE and in the Middle East and Africa" added Savara.

WAM/Ahlam/Moran

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