JEDDAH: The GCC imports more than 90 percent of its food supplies for its population of around 36 million, making it the world's largest food importer, a report by the World Trade Organization said. It also said that Arab countries need to invest around $144 billion in agriculture between now and 2030 to meet the growing food demand, with investments needed from both the private and public sectors. Against this backdrop, “SIAL Middle East” - the first Middle East edition of the world's largest food industry event - will be held on Nov. 22-24, 2010 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi. The gathering will discuss GCC's reliance on food imports, along with investment opportunities within the region's food and foodservice market. It will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and the Chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority. SIAL Middle East will also feature the first-of-its kind Middle East Food Summit held in association with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA). “The industry is in need of professional business platforms such as SIAL Middle East. It will be a strategic meeting point to discuss the latest retail trends, innovations and food policies within the region. We are proud to be the strategic partner of such an internationally renowned industry event and we look forward to welcoming the exhibitors and trade visitors from all over the world,” said Rashed Al Shariqi, director-general of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority. The three-day event is organized by Turret Media in collaboration with Comexposium. The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority is a strategic partner. SIAL Middle East is also supported by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), the UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office (UNIDO-ITPO), and the UAE Ministry of Environment. A Retail Forum organized in association with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) will be attended by key industry experts from the region, to focus on the latest issues, ideas, trends and opportunities in the Middle Eastern food retail sector. Other highlights of the trade show include the SIAL Purchasers Club, La Cuisine Du SIAL - a chef competition, a Trends and Innovations Zone and UNIDO-ITPO investment meetings.
