UAE imports 30pc of total plants in GCC
DUBAI, September 14, 2015
The UAE imported about 30 per cent of the total number of flowers, plants and trees in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) last year, according to mirrored figures by the UN Comtrade, a repository of official trade statistics and relevant analytical tables.
For the GCC region alone, the horticultural industry has been valued at Dh556 million ($151.3 million), further solidifying the region’s position as the leading importer of flowers, plants and trees for the past five years, with the Netherlands ranking as the top country from where the imported horticulture products are sourced from.
The industry’s continuing growth has been attributed to the UAE’s vibrant hospitality, services and landscaping segments, said the report.
Looking to play a key role in the horticulture industry’s continuous growth, the 10th edition of the International Plants Expo Middle East (IPM Dubai) will be held from October 5 to 7 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
It will throw the spotlight on the latest market trends, innovations and breakthroughs in the flower and plants market.
The event will be showcasing eight country pavilions, including China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Germany, Kenya, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and the US, in addition to 96 exhibitors - reflecting a 20 per cent increase from last year.
The highlights of this year’s show will include China’s first time to host a country pavilion, key exhibitions, demonstrations and talks on timely industry topics such as plants, technology, floristry, garden features, logistics, plant maintenance and garden and landscaping.
Tarek Sibai, project manager, planetfair, said: “The country's horticulture and landscaping industry, which is worth Dh364 million, continues to demonstrate vibrancy and growth--with active trading in the past two years. It also shows 57 per cent growth as compared to 2011 and 2012.
"Other industries are also now looking at opportunities from the horticulture business, like the logistics industry, which has expressed key interest via utilizing the transport chain in moving flowers, plants and trees as prime cargo.
“All of these positive developments have given us the confidence to look forward to a successful tenth edition of IPM DUBAI. Over the years, IPM DUBAI has served as a strategic platform to showcase the latest industry trends, discuss challenges while also serving as a key venue for industry players to connect and explore rewarding opportunities.”
The show is being organised by planetfair and Messe Essen, with support coming from Dubai Airports Cargo and Logistics. The media partners for the show include Taspo, a leading magazine for German Horticulture; and Agriculture Magazine. - TradeArabia News Service
