DUBAI, 31 October 2007 — Malaysian seafood exports to the Middle East topped AED11.7 million in 2006 as a result of the government’s continuous efforts to develop its fisheries and aquaculture industry. The Malaysian Department of Fisheries has a 12-member delegation participating in Sea Food Expo 2007 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel here. The move is aimed at tapping into Dubai’s rapidly expanding fisheries sector, which soared to AED735 million ($200 million) in 2006. Malaysia has recorded 3,636.84 metric tons of seafood export with a value of AED11.7 million to the Middle East.
Second Cup Eyes Mideast Expansion
DUBAI, 31 October 2007 — Gabe Tsampalieros, chairman of Second Cup, Canada’s largest specialty coffee retailer and one of the fastest growing coffee retail brands in the region, successfully completed his first tour of the Middle East this month highlighting the region’s importance in the company’s expansion plans. The UAE leg of the visit was hosted by Mohi-Din BinHendi, president of BinHendi Enterprises, the exclusive franchisee of Second Cup coffee outlets throughout the Middle East. “Gabe’s visit to our region is a sign of how successful this premium retail coffee franchise has been in an incredibly competitive market,” BinHendi said.
GOIC Presents 5 Industrial Projects
DOHA, 31 October 2007 — The Gulf Organization for Industrial Consulting (GOIC) presented five new industrial projects in the “3rd Investors Meet” held here yesterday. The new projects where ISO Propyl Alcohol, Aluminum Die Cast Parts for Automotive Industry, ISO Standard Dry Shipping Containers, Ultra Thin Aluminum Foil, and Nitric Acid & UAN-32 Solutions. The investment in the proposed projects is estimated at $400 millions, and expected to create around 350 new jobs.