"Gulf countries are currently a clear objective for Argentine foreign policy; therefore, we must strengthen our strategic approach in order to become much more competitive," Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie stated today, alongside the Minister of Agro-industry, Miguel Etchevehere, at the opening of the First Business Round at the Palacio San Martín, which seeks to provide businesspeople and exporters with tools on key markets, in this case the United Arab Emirates.
Having recently returned from an official visit to that country, Minister Faurie underscored "the major economic and trade opportunities offered by the United Arab Emirates, not only due to its high purchasing power and organizational structure, but also primarily as a result of its strategic regional position vis-à-vis other Gulf and East African countries, which furthers a stronger connection with the region."
"There is a large market for agri-food products and there are also joint venture opportunities to sell products to other markets in the region. The Emirati people are keenly interested in establishing relations with Latin American countries, as well as in gaining access to our raw materials and productive processes," the Foreign Minister noted, highlighting the need for "a commitment by both the government and the private sector, which must make the necessary preparations and efforts in order to ensure that products reach those markets with the quality and certifications required."
Minister Etchevehere, on his part, stated that "we have made progress as regards the certification of organic products, technology delivery and Halal certification for meat cuts," among other issues, and noted that the port and airport of Dubai are strategic locations "to reach a significant part of Africa, Asia and the Middle East."
Argentina's main exports to the United Arab Emirates include agri-food products, especially cereals and oilseeds, and "the high purchasing power of the Emirati people offers us an opportunity to export premium quality meat cuts," Minister Faurie stated.
In this regard, the Argentine Foreign Minister added that "access to the port of Dubai would mean considerably shorter voyages and facilitate cargo transportation at much more competitive prices for our products."
In addition, he mentioned that Emirati investment and development funds currently have three hydropower and infrastructure projects in the pipeline in the provinces of Neuquén, Santa Fe and Córdoba, and are also considering other investment opportunities in the agro-industry sector.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Agro-industry in cooperation with the Argentine Foreign Ministry and the Argentine Investment and International Trade Agency, was attended by the Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Saeed Rashed Alzaabi.
In his recent visit to the United Arab Emirates last Monday, Minister Faurie met with his counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with whom he signed an Agreement for the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments, on which negotiations concluded last March.
