‘Sea Food Expo 2008’, the region’s only exhibition dedicated to the seafood industry, was inaugurated today and will run till October 29.

About 185 exhibitors from 30 countries are participating in the expo. It will serve as a powerful platform for regional and international companies to showcase their products and developments in technology, equipment and services, and tap into the Middle East’s booming seafood market.

In addition to the global delegations, 16 local companies will also highlight their advanced seafood processing techniques, including cold storage systems, packaging equipment, furnishings and fittings at the event.

This year’s expo will also focus on assisting chefs, buyers, traders, importers and exporters in sourcing supplies of a wide selection of high quality seafood products and establish key networks within the regional seafood market.

“The seafood market holds enormous potential to become one of the largest and most important revenue generating industries that drives the economic prosperity of the UAE,” stated Ahmed M Shaker, project promotion expert & head of exhibitions, Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID).

“The ever-growing expatriate population in the Middle East has been fuelling the increase in demand for fisheries and aquaculture products in the region,” concluded Raees Ahmed, director, Orange Fairs & Events, the organiser of the expo.

In addition to the products being showcased, customers can also benefit from the live food stations, interactive demonstrations and seminars, which will be running alongside the exhibition.-TradeArabia News Service