By Hani Al-Awath (with photos) DUBAI, Feb 22 (KUNA) -- "Kuwaiti industries go back a while and are known for good quality and standards. However, there has been decline in keeping up with advancements in the field in recent years," said Kuwait Foodstuff Merchants and Manufacturers Union Chairman Abdallah Al-Baijan on Wednesday.

Al-Baijan was speaking to KUNA on the sidelines of Gulfood 2012 which kicked off Sunday and wraps up later today. The event was inaugurated by Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktum, in presence of Minister of Foreign Trade Lubna Al-Qasimi. UAE Vice President and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktum took a tour of the exhibit hall upon opening.

Al-Baijan remarked that Kuwaiti foodstuff industries featured in Gulfood year after year, but the competitive edge declined considerably recently. "This is because Kuwait failed to build an up-to-date industrial area since establishment of Sabhan in 1970. Countries of the region meanwhile set up industrial cities and zones, not just small areas." For 42 years, there were calls to senior officials to address this demand, but there is still to be any response, he noted. "It is painful to see Kuwaiti companies and manufacturers moving to other Gulf states so that we see their products today, but not in the Kuwaiti pavilion," he lamented.

In view of the importance of such fair, countries seek separate pavilions and arrange that with the organizers. "Kuwaiti companies, unfortunately, are scattered about and distant from one another, because there is no clear body organizing and sponsoring their participation in this vital event." The industrialist urged Kuwaiti officials to mend this situation as soon as possible, stressing the current state of affairs in unacceptable and not befitting the name of Kuwait.

Kuwaiti bodies taking part include Kuwait Flour Mills, Saidawi Plant, Khazan, and others. They are taking part along with over 3,800 companies and brands in foodstuff and drinks industries from 88 countries. Gulf countries come to 174 companies, while UAE participants come to 531 companies.

Gulfood 2012 came with seminars and workshops, as well as an awards ceremony to honor and shed light on unique innovations and accomplishments in the field, on individual and corporate level.