Minister began today's visit to Dubai with the Gulfood fair. It is the largest specialty food fair in the region, which the Minister attended together with other representatives of Slovenian companies and the Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce of Slovenia. The fair was an excellent opportunity for Slovenian companies and their business activities. Since the UAE import the majority of food, there is a very strong demand for high-quality products in the field of poultry meat, fish products, milk and milk products, beverages and other products. Agriculture Minister held several meetings at the fair to support the export possibilities and cooperation with key business stakeholders. The representatives of Slovenian companies consider that the fair is very important and that it is a great business opportunity for entering the UAE markets. They plan to exhibit at the fair in the future.

Afterwards, Minister Podgoršek held a bilateral meeting with the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Ms Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri. The ministers stressed the significant progress made in cooperation between the two countries and highlighted the need for closer cooperation in the future. The ministers then signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in sustainable development and food systems. Minister Podgoršek estimated that the signing of the Memorandum is of great importance. "I am pleased that the ministries have harmonised the wording of the Memorandum in such a short time and that we have the opportunity to sign it today. On the basis of the Memorandum, the ministries will develop cooperation in fields such as sustainable rural development, sustainable food production, food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary matters, and the promotion of agricultural trade and investment". Minister Podgoršek handed over to the UAE'S Minister a list of Slovenian experts and scientific institutions that are interested in working with colleagues from the UAE and a catalogue of products of the Slovenian food-processing industry that are suitable for export to the UAE.

At the Slovenian Pavilion at EXPO, Minister Podgoršek met with the representatives of some other companies and countries, as well as with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry from the Emirate of Ajman. He also familiarised himself with the preparations for the interactive exhibition that will be put on by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food. The exhibition will be dedicated to the global issue of food that is lost or wasted at all stages of the food chain. The exhibition will be open to visitors in the framework of the "Food, Agriculture & Livelihoods" week starting on 17 February 2022.