Latin America’s Best Performing Nation To Boost Food Exports To The UAE
PRO ECUADOR participates in Gulfood 2013 for the first time
Ecuador, which has one of the highest GDP growths in Latin America, and whose exports to the UAE have been steadily increasing since 2009, is looking to step up its trade relations and expanding export opportunities for its diversified quality food products in the emirates.
With an increase in UAE-Ecuadorian trade of 161.22 per cent from 2009 to 2011, PRO ECUADOR – the Trade and Investment promotion organisation of Ecuador - a first time participant at Gulfood 2013, the world’s largest annual trade show for the food and hospitality industry, is hoping to substantially push its UAE exports this year. Four Ecuadorian companies are participating under the PRO ECUADOR Pavilion to exhibit the country’s leading food products in the market such as shrimps, tuna, chocolates, coffee, bananas among other fruits and vegetables.
The Ecuadorian companies exhibiting at Gulfood are Negocios Industriales Real Nirsa, a leader in tuna and shrimp export business; Banalight, the largest producer and exporter of aseptic banana and mango puree in South America; Earthfructifera, a leading exporter of bananas, pineapple, and apple among other exotic fruits; and Pacari, producer of premium Ecuadorian organic chocolate which has been awarded in The International Chocolate Award in 2012, London.
“Our role is to support Ecuadorian companies to expand their reach overseas and enter emerging markets such as the UAE,” said Hussam Hassan, Head of the Ecuadorian Commercial Office in Dubai, UAE. “Ecuador’s imports from the UAE grew to an average of 188.03 per cent from 2009 to 2011, while Ecuador’s exports to UAE posted an average of 87.60 per cent during the same period.”
In 2011, the total exports of the UAE to Ecuador amounted to US$ 18.6 million whereas; the total non-oil imports of the UAE from Ecuador accounted US$ 4.4 million. Currently, sugars and sugar confectionery; fish, crustaceans, and molluscs; and vegetable, fruit, nut and food preparations are the top products that UAE imports from Ecuador.
One of the best performing economies in Latin America, Ecuador is a leading agricultural producer and exporter. In 2011, bananas were largely exported by Ecuador amounting to US$2.25 billion; shrimps at US$1.17 billion; cocoa at US$ 471.65 million and coffee at US$ 258.59 million.
Ecuador is known worldwide for its top quality food products according to Hassan, and Gulfood is the perfect venue to promote their diversified food products and capabilities across the UAE and GCC market. “The exhibition will allow Ecuadorian companies to meet with regional and international food retailers and suppliers, and we are optimistic that through this opportunity, Ecuadorian companies will cement future business deals from this region,” he added.
PRO ECUADOR in Dubai, which commenced operation in October 2012, aims to promote exports and investments to Ecuador. The agency will work closely with local government agencies in the UAE as well as the private sector.
Emirate: Dubai
Date: Feb 19, 2013
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