Argentina-Jafza trade doubles in last 4 years

A high power Argentina delegation led by Norberto Yahuar, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries in Argentina and Ruben Caro, Argentine Ambassador in the UAE, visited Jafza to explore opportunities to strengthen trade ties between the two sides. The delegation was received by Adil Al Zarooni, Senior Vice President, Jafza Commercial Sales at the Free Zone. The Argentine delegation and Jafza officials discussed ways to strengthen and further develop the flow of Argentinean agri-food products into the Middle East, North Africa and South Asian markets, which Jafza as the hub, serves. Norberto Yahuar commenting on the visit said: "Argentina seeks to boost its agri-food and livestock exports particularly meat, fish and poultry products to the Middle East and seeks Jafza's support to achieve its ambitions in the region. The visit aims at exploring opportunities to strengthen our trade ties with Jafza in order to have larger presence in the region." Al Zarooni in his brief presentation highlighted the strategic strength of Jafza as the trade and logistics hub for the region. He invited Argentinean companies to come and establish their regional base in Jafza to explore opportunities in the rapidly growing markets in the region. Argentina wants to use Dubai as a hub to export and market their agro-industrial and livestock products in the Middle East and globally. Ministry of Agriculture, livestock and Fisheries, Argentina and the Department of Economic Development, Dubai had signed a joint statement of co-operation to this affect in May last year. The present visit was one more step forward in that direction. Argentina-Jafza trade has doubled in the last four years to cross Dh 220 million in 2012 from Dh 104 million in 2009. The trade essentially reflects Argentina's growing exports to the GCC markets. Argentina's desire to strengthen its presence in the Free Zone will certainly provide huge boost to their agri-food, meat, fish and poultry exports to the region. – Emirates News Agency, WAM