UAE's seafood trade has exceeded Dh1 billion ($272 million), with imports and exports reaching more than Dh782 million and Dh165 million respectively, and re-exports totalling to Dh108.5 million in 2008, according to the latest industry statistics.

These figures were released by Orange Fairs & Events, the organiser of the third annual ‘Sea Food Expo’, the region’s only dedicated seafood event, which is slated to run from October 12 to 14 in Dubai.

The organiser further revealed that it has sold 90 per cent of the 2,666 sqm exhibitor space for the event, which attests to its growing importance among regional and global seafood companies.

In addition to the event’s emphasis on seafood products and services, the expo 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 organisers are expecting to attend the three-day event.

Despite the economic slowdown, the organisers 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.

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.

In addition, relevant government organisations from across the globe, including Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters & Producers, Turkish Seafood Promotion Committee, Canadian Sablefish Association, New Brunswick Department of Fisheries (Canada), Marine Export Promotion and Development Authority - Mepda (India), the Department of Fisheries of Malaysia, Department of Fisheries of Thailand, China Aquatic Products Processing & Marketing Association - Cappma, and Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries - Momaf (Republic of Indonesia) have also confirmed their endorsement for and participation at the event.

Another highlight of ‘Sea Food Expo 2009’ will be the series of interactive demonstrations involving premium seafood, which will be conducted by Chef Stefan Czapalay, one of Canada’s top seafood research and development chefs.-TradeArabia News Service