Dubai Exports, the export promotion agency of Dubai Economy (DED) received seven international delegations on the sidelines of the 25^th edition of Gulfood, which was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre 16 – 20 February. Dubai Exports reviewed the most prominent services and initiatives as well as organised a number of business meetings between local exporters and global buyers. These endeavours are in line with Dubai Exports’ efforts to develop the export sector in Dubai and highlight export opportunities in foreign markets.

The seven international delegations that were received at the Elite Buyers Programme comprised a high-level delegation from the Republic of Belarus and other delegations representing India, Egypt, Afghanistan, Brazil, and Ecuador. Other delegations, that include a number of ministers and ambassadors from the African continent, representing Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, participated in a round table. The aim of these meetings and visits was to enhance Dubai Export’s relations with regional and international institutions, reach agreements for cooperation and exchange of experiences, and enhance bilateral relations in the field of export and re-export, especially in the food and beverage sector, to support local exporters and meet their needs.

The Belarusian delegation included HE Andrei Luchenok Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the UAE; HE Evgeny Lazarev, Minister-Counsellor; HE Igor Brylo, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Belarus; and Consul General His Excellency Igor Bondarev, Consul  General of the Republic of Belarus in Dubai.The two parties discussed ways and mechanisms to enhance mutual trade cooperation, and Dubai Exports’ team participated in the opening ceremony of the Belarusian pavilion within the exhibition.

On the sidelines of Gulfood, Eng. Saed Al Awadi, CEO of Dubai Exports, and Wilson Mello, President of São Paulo Investment Promotion Agency (InvesteSP), signed an MOU to enhance Dubai-São Paulo economic ties and boost trade activities between both parties to enhance cooperation for the development of trade and the exchange of trade information. The signing of the agreement coincided with the opening of a commercial representation office for São Paulo in Dubai, which aimed to develop trade exchange with the MENA region through Dubai.

Eng. Saed Al Awadi said: “The food and beverage sector is one of the main sectors in the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030, as it contributes to the growth of the non-oil foreign trade sector in Dubai. Moreover, Dubai has a prominent international position at the level of this sector and can play a pivotal role in light of the availability of the capabilities that contribute to enhancing its role in its economy, including advanced infrastructure and its strategic location between the continents of the world. Dubai’s legislative and regulatory environment, as well, supports the ease of doing business. The goal of organising this event is to provide an ideal platform for Dubai exporters and provide them the opportunity to communicate and get to know the best buyers from all over the world.”

Al Awadi added: “This exhibition helps our companies reach agreements to increase the volume of their exports, which contributes to promoting the image of local products, supporting the gross-domestic product of the Emirate and enhancing its position on the list of exporting countries to establish its sustainable economy. To ensure the success of this year’s edition, our participation witnessed more than 300 local companies representing various industries. We also complemented our participation with many accompanying events, most important of which was hosting more than 200 international buyers following our establishment of the Elite Buyers Programme”.