UAE trade mission ends with renewed agreement on food security
Ireland's agri-food trade mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has concluded with a renewal of a 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on food security.
According to Minister of State for food promotion and new markets Noel Grealish said the MoU "provides a strong framework" to support industry, facilitate market access, and encourage innovation-led partnerships.
Minister Grealish met with the UAE's Minister for Climate Change and Environment Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak on Tuesday (January 27).
He said himself and the UAE minister "had an excellent discussion on potential areas for co-operation".
Minister Grealish said the renewal of the MoU "demonstrates the shared commitment of Ireland and the UAE to working together constructively to our mutual benefit".
"I am confident that Ireland and the UAE will remain strong partners in the areas of trade and food security," the minister added.
Also during the trade mission, Minister Grealish addressed a meeting of the Irish Business Network. He also visited Al Ain dairy farm, the UAE's biggest dairy company, which has Irish management and close ties with Irish suppliers.
The minister also went to Meydan Racecourse to promote the Irish-UAE relationship in the equine industry.
The trade mission concluded yesterday with a meeting with Dubai Duty Free, which runs the duty free at Dubai International Airport. The minister acknowledged the company's role as "a key partner in the support of the Irish agri-food sector".
Commenting at the end of the trade mission, Minister Grealish said: "From my engagement over the course of the week, I have seen first-hand how Irish people and products are significantly shaping the agri-food sector in this country.
"It was particularly impressive to see such a strong performance by our food producers on a world stage... This success is testament to the high quality of Irish food produce and our country reputation as a trusted supplier and trading partner," the minister said.,
"It is clear to me that we can build on this momentum and explore opportunities for those who are looking to scale and grow in the region.
"I will continue to work with the Embassy of Ireland, my officials and Bord Bia to strengthen Ireland's cooperation with the UAE and support Irish agri-food exporters," Minister Grealish said.
The minister and the Irish delegation also attended Gulfood, a major agri-food trade fair that took place this week, which had 14 Irish agri-food companies exhibiting.
Bord Bia CEO Jim O'Toole said: "Minister-led trade missions like this are hugely important for Irish food and drink. They give us access to senior decision-makers, open doors at the highest levels, and create the conditions for real commercial progress.
"It's been a very productive week here in the UAE, with meaningful discussions across retail, foodservice and trade.
"At Gulfood, a large-scale food show, Irish exporters have invested significant time meeting customers, showcasing their products and building relationship. The opportunity now is in the follow-up, and I'm confident our Bord Bia team on the ground in the UAE will continue to build on the momentum from this week to deliver growth for Irish exporters in the Gulf region," O'Toole added.
