The Department of Trade and Industry has identified the Middle East – in particular Saudi and United Arab Emirates – as markets of significant potential for South Africa’s agri-processing sector.
“The Middle East region in particular imports about 75% of its food requirements from elsewhere around the world. The two have the largest economies of scale in the region, and have a huge market compared to other countries in the region. Also, South Africa could supply 2250 tons worth $8.4 million of different poultry products to Saudi Arabia from next year,” said Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies.
Davies said the continued inflow of imports had to be balanced by steady and material high volume exports of value added products in order to curb the displacing of local industries and the resultant job losses.
“To curb this, government has strengthened investment and export promotion as a key strategy by opening new markets - such as in the Gulf countries - which will triple exports and strengthen the farming industry. Furthermore, the designation of poultry for government procurement will enable the industry to increase the demand for local production,” he said.
