Bord Bia launches Dubai office to aid Middle East trade

Bord Bia is to open an office in Dubai, it announced yesterday, as part of its week-long trade mission in the Middle East.

In 2012, food and drink exports to the Middle East were valued at €275m, with the Gulf States (Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain) accounting for 70% or €192m. Bord Bia estimates food and drink exports to the Middle East could double to exceed €500m this decade.

The new office, which is likely to be located alongside other Irish development agencies based in the market, will focus on Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and the Gulf States, and monitor potential opportunities in Iran, Iraq, and Jordan.