Seafood trade in the UAE has exceeded AED1 billion, with imports and exports reaching more than AED782 million and AED165 million respectively and re-exports totaling to AED108.5 million in 2008, according to latest industry statistics, thereby reflecting the country's stable seafood market. Driven by its commitment to further developing the seafood trade in the Middle East, Orange Fairs & Events has announced the launch of the third annual “Sea Food Expo” - the region's only dedicated seafood event, which is slated to run on Oct. 12-14, 2009 at the Madinat Arena Conference Hall, Madinat Jumeirah. The organizer further revealed that it has sold 90 percent of the 2,666 sq. meter exhibitor space for the event, which attests to its growing importance among regional and global seafood companies. In addition to the event's standard emphasis on seafood products and services, Sea Food Expo 2009 will delve deeper into the processing machinery equipment and packaging industry for the benefit of around 5,000 trade visitors from 73 countries whom the organizers are expecting to attend the three-day event. Despite the economic slowdown, the organizers are expecting to attract more than 200 companies from 33 countries, on account of the market's sustained demand for high quality seafood and stability in the face of the global crisis. In addition, the expo is also set to feature 10 national pavilions this year. “Significant opportunities remain in the Middle East for seafood industry players, as we continue to witness demand for high-value, quality seafood products within the retail and hospitality sectors despite the challenges posed by the economic downturn,” said Nafees Ahmed, project manager, Orange Fairs & Events. “Sea Food Expo 2009 will provide a boost to the regional seafood trade through excellent networking opportunities, innovative new technologies and breakthrough findings, which will help companies streamline their processes and achieve a higher level of productivity. We are optimistic of the response the event will generate among top industry players, many of whom have confirmed their participation right after the conclusion of last year's expo.” Set to attract buyers and representatives from the food service, hospitality, retail, import/export, packaging, and aquaculture services sectors, Sea Food Expo 2009 is hosting some of the UAE's largest seafood companies, including Deep Seafood LLC.
