ASTANA – KAZAKH INVEST presented Kazakh-produced items at the Halal Expo 2017 international food exhibit in Dubai, reported the company’s press service.
Abai, Disada, Eurasia Invest, Golden Food Company, Leninsk Onimi and Rakhat products were displayed in the national pavilion. Representatives of the Dubai government and Kazakh Consul General in Dubai Madiyar Menilbekov attended the opening ceremony.
“We are proud of the fact that there are more and more manufacturers in Kazakhstan ready to offer high-quality products. The companies represented today have significant potential in the market of the Middle East,” he said.
Abai products have been available in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since last year, said company UAE meat products representative Oleg Shapovalov.
“This year, we have gained some experience in working in the local market; our meat can already be found in local supermarkets. Now, the company is gaining a client base – participation in the exhibition is an excellent opportunity for this,” he added.
In addition, with the support of the consulate general, meetings will be organised for Kazakh companies with representatives of the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) and RACS quality and certificate to clarify issues related to halal certification, as well as changes in the certification procedure itself. Foods are stamped with the halal label if the contents conform with Muslim dietary laws.
“The UAE market is very attractive for Kazakh producers. Since high-quality products are highly valued here, they are ready to pay a very high price for them. Today at the exhibition, the companies held meetings with potential buyers not only from the UAE, but also from countries of the Middle East,” said KAZAKH INVEST representative Gaziz Abdinabieva.
Kazakhstan’s trade with the UAE totaled $317.3 million for the first half of 2017, a 3.1-time increase compared to the same period last year. Due to increased supplies of copper, exports grew 4.2 times to $273.8 million. Imports increased to $43.5 million, a 17.6 percent hike.
