In an effort to aid export growth in Dubai, the National Food Industry Strategy (NFIS) Ltd., would conduct a workshop this year on 18th June in Melbourne, Australia. Aimed to tap the prospective food manufacturers and producers interested in exporting to Dubai, the workshop would provide information on the business opportunities and environment in Dubai. NFIS, the Australian Government-backed industry organisation was established to act as a medium for ushering in new changes in the Australian food industry by developing emerging market opportunities, increasing investment in innovation and improving supply chain efficiency and workforce skills. Recently, the Australian Ministry of Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry had launched a seafood project worth A$1 million (US$0.7 million) to develop a foodservice market

for the Australian exporters in the gulf region. And on its part, the NFIS has focused on building a direct link between Australian food producers and suppliers in Dubai's luxury five-star hotel market. "Australian fine food producers, suppliers and manufacturers will have new opportunities arising from this initiative to establish a new market entry point into the Dubai foodservice market," said Richard Brooks, Managing Director of NFIS Ltd. "The UAE houses over 140 five star-hotels and only accepts top quality produce for its first class visitors. "The five star hotel market in Dubai is growing at an annual rate of 30 per cent and presents a great opportunity for Australian exporters of quality food,'' said Mr Brooks. NFIS has also organised a visit by a group of eight Executive Chefs from hotels in Dubai who would visit cheese-makers, wineries and meat processing operations in Melbourne. Expected to grow at 10 per cent in the next five years, the total value of the food service market in Dubai has been estimated at up to $US300 million.