With the aim of taking a larger share of the regional seafood market, 15 Canada-based companies are set to take part in 'Sea Food Expo 2008', the region's only dedicated seafood exhibition, which is slated to run from October 27-29, 2008, at the Madinat Arena Conference Hall in Madinat Jumeriah Hotel, Dubai. The participating companies, as well as specialised organisations concerned with the development of the Canadian fish and seafood industries, will join the country pavilion to be hosted by the Canadian Consulate in Dubai, said a Press release.

Canada is the world's fourth largest exporter of fish and seafood products, exporting to approximately 130 countries. Over 30 per cent of Canada's fish and seafood exports to the MENA region find their way to the UAE marketplace. The booming demand for higher-end seafood products such as scallops, lobster, crab, shrimp, oysters, mussels, and salmon in the region, especially in the dynamic growth economies like the UAE, has attracted the attention of top Canadian seafood players, thereby prompting them to establish a significant presence at this year's 'Sea Food Expo'.

"The growth of the hospitality sector and the rising number of ever-more affluent and demanding tourists are driving growth for innovative foodservice menus featuring high quality and variety when it comes to fish and seafood products. This is recognized as an important market opportunity by an increasing number of Canadian seafood companies," said Rick Seguin, Consul and Trade Commissioner, Canadian Consulate Dubai. "The presence of state-of-the-art air cargo handling facilities and new non-stop Canada-UAE air services is also fuelling Canadian seafood players' interest in fully leveraging this profitable market. Our efforts to support a delegation of exporters to 'Sea Food Expo 2008' is designed to expand the market-reach of Canada's many and varied seafood products, so as to have them become a highly sought-after menu item of choice in the finer hotels and restaurants right across the region."

Canada's stringent fish inspection and control systems largely contribute to the world class reputation held by its seafood products, which are also currently being delivered to a number of five-star hotels across the Middle East.

(By a staff reporter)

© Khaleej Times 2008

 

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