The Middle East’s first exhibition dedicated to the seafood industry will run in Dubai from October 29-31, 2007.

The Dubai International Seafood Expo 2007 will provide a platform for regional and international companies aiming to tap into Dubai’s burgeoning seafood market.

During the three-day show, trade visitors can keep abreast of the latest seafood products from across the globe as well as developments in technology, equipment and services geared for the industry, said organisers Orange Fairs & Events.

More than 70 international exhibitors from 14 countries including six local companies will highlight seafood products, technology and services as well as furnishings, fittings, cold storage systems, packaging and equipment designed for the industry.

The fair will provide the best opportunity to local and international manufacturers, traders, importers and exporters for sourcing global supplies of seafood and derived products, technology and equipment as well as establishing key networks that will enable them to penetrate Dubai’s multi-million dollar seafood industry, said Orange Fairs & Events director Raees Ahmed.

In 2006, the value of Dubai’s seafood market was worth Dh735 million ($200 million), as seafood imports reached 55,050 tonnes or a total value of Dh547 million whilst exports reached 10,489 tonnes with a total market value of Dh187 million, he said.

The burgeoning hospitality and food service industries are major consumers, and demand is expected to surge on account of the expected increase in the number of hotels across the region. Dubai’s highly developed air and sea freight services also make it a strategic location for re-processing and re-export of seafood products across the region.

The show has attracted exhibitors from the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UK, Italy, China, India, Pakistan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Maldives, Philippines and Myanmar.

The endorsement of public ministries and industry bodies, including the Consulate of Canada in Dubai, Department of Fisheries-Malaysia, Ministry of Fisheries-Maldives, Taiwan Frozen Seafood Industry Association, Asia Pacific Fisheries Trade Organization-Korea, Myanmar Fisheries Association and COOL Srl -Italy, further underscores the event’s significance to the industry, said Ahmed.

With the comprehensive feature of seafood products, technology and services, footfall is expected to reach 4,000-5,000 key representatives coming from various sectors including food service, hospitality, retail, research, education, government, transportation, logistics, import/export, packaging and aquaculture services, he said. – TradeArabia News Service