REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia aims to boost food export to United Arab Emirates (UAE). The demand on food in Gulf is predicted to reach 49.1 million tonnes by 2017.

"UAE is the gate for export to neighboring countries. It is a big opportunity for us," Director General of National Export Development at the Ministry of Trade Nus Nuzulia Ishak said on Monday, December 1.

Indonesian export to UAE in processed food products hits 17,886 tonnes, which is equal to 50.35 million USD. Processed food includes tea, coffee, healthy food, and organic food. The rising export is due to increasing population, gaining income and booming tourism industry.

Ishak said that the ministry would exhibit Indonesian processed food products more often to gain export. Indonesia has attended several exhibitions, such as SAIL Middle East in Abu Dhabi. 

"We hope the exhibition lead us to long term transaction," he said.

UAE is the 19th on the list of processed food export destination for Indonesia. In the last five year, the export increases 9.23 percent. The value of processed food export to UAE from January to August 2014 is around 35.29 million USD, increasing 9.62 percent yoy.

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