(VOVworld) – Vietnamese agricultural products at Gulfood Fair, Dubai, have drawn attention from international customers, who want to establish business partnerships with Vietnam’s suppliers.
This year, the Gulfood Fair in Dubai has attracted more than 95,000 visitors from 170 countries. 5,000 businesses working in the global food industry, 33 of them from Vietnam, are taking this opportunity to showcase their farm produce, seek new markets, and find partners, and learn about trends in the industry.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Pham Binh Dam at the opening ceremony for Vietnam’s Gulfood Fair 2017 pavilions.

Among the 33 Vietnamese suppliers, some have already established strong a foothold in the Middle Eastern market, such as the Vinamilk dairy company and the Hanoi Trade Cooperation (Hapro). Others, like VinGroup, LaFooco, and the Richy Food Joint Stock company, are participating for the first time. They are introducing traditional Vietnamese products like peppers, tea, and cashew nuts,  as well as processed and packaged food like milk, juice, and canned food.
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Vice President of VinEco, VinGroup, said: “For the first time, VinEco is promoting greenhouse vegetables like sprouts, tomatoes, and chilis, as well as Vietnamese specialty fruit like pomelos, mangos, and dragon fruits grown on our big farms. We want to expand our product distribution to the global market.”

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao (R), Vice President in charge of technology of VinEco, VinGroup

Vo Trung Hieu, Sales Director of Vinamilk, said Vietnamese products have captured particular interest from visitors and international customers: “Vinamilk considers this fair our second working office where we promote our products and welcome customers to discuss the development and opportunities of their local markets. After the 2016 Fair, Vinamilk signed a contract to export infant milk powder worth 12.5 million USD. We hope we can get more contracts this year. This Fair helps us learn about customers’ preferences.”

The 2017 Gulfood fair in Dubai

The Middle East and Africa are two promising markets for Vietnamese agricultural and processed food products.

Many customers show interest in the incense made by Vietnam’s LP group.

Vo Trung Hieu, Sales Director of Vinamilk, introduces his company’s products to a foreign business.

The Lafooco company of Vietnam has a strategic plan to export cashew nuts to the Middle East market.

Canned foods made by Tan Phat also attract attention from fair-goers.

Many international businesses want to establish partnerships with Vietnamese suppliers.

Although it’s VinEco’s first time participating in the fair, many customers show interest in its products.

Fruit juice is becoming one of Vietnam’s strongest products.

Lotus Rice products have been exported to the Middle East for a while.

Some of Vietnamese products on display at the fair.

Many other countries are displaying their products at the 2017 Gulfood fair.