Photo by: Bloomberg
The Richards Bay industrial development zone (RBIDZ) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai-based trader DBL World General Trading, which will result in South African produce – meat and poultry products in particular – being exported to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The signing ceremony took place during a meeting between potential buyers and small-scale and commercial farmers to determine capacity and demand requirements. This had included a seminar on Halaal compliance requirements presented by the South African National Halaal Authority.
RBIDZ research and marketing intelligence manager Brenda Mabaso told Engineering News Online that a large order for poultry and meat products had already been placed by DBL, with the order expected to arrive in Dubai within the next three months.
DBL CEO Ismail Khan explained that the products would be distributed from Dubai to other member States of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which comprised the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
The products would also be supplied to other Arabic speaking nations in the Middle East and North Africa.
Mabaso highlighted that 26 farmers had shown an interest in supplying agroprocessed goods to international markets, of which 11 were awarded the opportunity, owing to their ability to meet the demands of DBL.
The farmers would also supply produce, including vegetables and fruits; however, this would be determined on a seasonal basis and according to demand.
The RBIDZ has been strategically placed as an export agricultural and agroprocessing destination for farmers in KwaZulu-Natal.