Global experts will again get a taste of the growing regional seafood industry at a major expo later this year.

More than 70 companies from 30 countries are to take part in Sea Food Expo 2008, the region’s only dedicated seafood event, being held in Dubai on October 27-29.

It will be held at the Madinat Arena Conference Hall in Madinat Jumeriah Hotel.

The exhibition will attract leading players from the $400 billion global seafood industry, according to organisers Orange Fairs and Events.

In line with expectations of a 100 per cent growth for this year’s exhibition, more than 60pc of the exhibitor spaces have already been sold months prior to the event, as global companies seeking to leverage the booming Middle East seafood market sign up to establish a significant presence at the expo.

The event will occupy a larger venue to accommodate the increased number of regional and global exhibitors, the organisers said.

The expo will feature national pavilions, which have proven to be a huge hit among the 5,000 visitors present during last year’s event. The organiser has also set a higher visitor expectation this year, as it gears up to welcome more than 6,000 trade visitors from 63 countries.

“The massive potential of the Middle East as a marketplace for the rapidly growing global seafood trade is being recognised by large-scale seafood companies, thereby affirming the significance of Sea Food Expo 2008 as a comprehensive platform to cultivate business prospects,” said director Raees Ahmed.

Confirmed exhibitors include delegations from the UK, Canada, Holland, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, India, China, Cyprus, Singapore, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Morocco, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

In addition to large-scale private companies, several government organisations from across the globe have also renewed their participation to establish a more significant presence this year. This includes the New Brunswick Department of Fisheries, the Consulate of Canada in Dubai, the Malaysian Department of Fisheries, the Vietnam Seafood Exporters Association, the Taiwan Frozen Seafood Industry Association and the National Fisheries Authority - Papua New Guinea. – Trade Arabia News Service