Chile to woo UAE dried fruit and nut importers through a series of virtual and live events

• The events will provide UAE importers with access to over 170 Chilean exporters of nuts and dried fruits
• The import value of dried fruits to the UAE increased year-on-year in 2019 by 75% to US$43.8 million

Dubai: Chile is hosting a series of events to secure its’ position in the UAE as the leading exporter of walnuts and dried fruits with a trio of virtual and live business networking opportunities.

Prominent UAE importers have been selected for the exclusive sessions which will include a series of presentations outlining the superior quality and health benefits of Chilean produce, group discussions, as well as the opportunity to participate in virtual and live business meetings.

Carlos Salas, Trade Commissioner of Chile in Dubai, said: "The UAE and the wider GCC region continue to be incredibly important markets for Chilean dried fruit exporters, despite the challenges of COVID-19.

“As such, we have developed a series of online events which will provide importers from the UAE, and the rest of the world, to learn more about our fantastic produce, do business, and ultimately secure deals with renowned Chilean exporters.”

The first event, the 24^th e-business meeting of the Chamber of Commerce of Valparaiso, took place from the 27^th – 30^th of October. The event saw over 176 Chilean exporters of fresh fruit, nuts, vegetables, and healthy foods undertake a series of 30-minute meetings with importers from the UAE and the rest of the world. 

ExpoNut 2020, which takes place on November 25^th, is the second virtual event to take place. It is the largest meeting point for the Chilean nut industry, annually bringing together more than 500 producers, exporters, suppliers, investors. As a result of COVID-19, the event will be virtual this year and host a series of talks and panel discussions addressing exports, agriculture, and sustainable development. The event will also host the ExpoNut Business Roundtable, giving importers from the UAE the opportunities to partake in a series of discussion with Chilean Walnut exporters.

Rounding out the series of events is the ProChile Food Exporter Meeting, taking place from 7^th -12^th December, live in Chile. Five UAE importers will have the opportunity to meet with a range of Chilean companies during workshops and roundtable discussions. A series of masterclasses, product sampling and insights into the latest market innovations will also take place.

“This will be a vital opportunity for exporters to reconnect with valuable importers from the UAE, as we look to build on the successes witnessed in 2019. Our number one priority is to facilitate meetings and networking, however, showcasing the superior quality, health benefits, and sustainable practices relating to our produce is also vitally important,” added Salas.

The popularity of Chilean walnuts has surged in the last two years, with the country the leading exporter in the southern hemisphere, and now the second-largest exporter in the world, exporting over 135,000 tonnes in 2019.

In the UAE, the value of exported dry fruits from Chile increased by 75% year-on-year in 2019 to US$43.8. This was primarily attributed to walnuts, which made up 76% of the total dried fruit exports to the UAE.

According to yield estimates based on the planted area and average performance, production in Chile is expected to increase to 163,000 tonnes in 2021 and 200,000 tonnes in 2024. Over 95% of all production is exported to 75 countries, with the Middle East accounting for 54% in 2019.

For more information please visit www.prochile.gob.cl/ or www.chilenut.cl/home/ 

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About ProChile

ProChile is the institution of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile in charge of promoting exports of products and services. ProChile contributes to dissemination of foreign investment opportunities and tourism promotion.

ProChile has a network of over 57 offices worldwide and 16 Export Centers in Chile which have experience and tools to help boost the export sector and position Chile’s attributes in international markets.

In a globalized world with highly competitive markets, ProChile, in its role as trade facilitator is able to provide to international consumers a wide range of products and services from the most diverse sectors. ProChile presents business opportunities to thousands of international buyers thus improving the quality of life for millions of people around the world.

Its economy, support to entrepreneurship, political stability, public security, ideal climatic conditions allow Chile to develop products and services with a unique quality in the region, which added to strict adherence to fair trade practices and sustainability, make our exports attractive with reliable suppliers and a high level of innovation.

We are interested in identifying strategic partners, distributors, traders and consumers in international markets who see in Chilean products and services the opportunity to enhance their business strategies.

We invite you to get in touch with any of ProChile’s 57 offices in the world, where you can organize business meeting schedules, get advice on the qualities of the Chilean productive and services sectors, as well as information on investment opportunities in Chile. Also, at the offices you can learn more about Chile's wonderful tourist attractions.

Media contact: 
JAMES LAKIE
General Manager
Tel : +971 4 365 2711
E-mail : james.lakie@shamalcomms.com
Office 106, Arjaan Office Tower, Dubai Media City
PO Box 502701 | Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Website: www.shamalcomms.com 

© Press Release 2020