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7/16/25, 4:41 PM H.E. Abdulla bin Touq leads economic delegation to Switzerland to explore best practices in the development of food clusters
H.E. added: “The UAE’s food sector continues to grow steadily, with the number of registered local
and international food brands reaching 40,486 by the end of the first half of this year. In 2024, the
value of the UAE’s trade in food products rose to AED 148.6 billion, marking a 16.8% increase
compared to AED 127.2 billion in 2023. National food exports also grew by 10.9%, reaching AED

24.2 billion in 2024 compared to the previous year.”

His Excellency described the event as a valuable platform to forge new paths of collaboration

between UAE and Swiss food companies, particularly in developing advanced food clusters and
cutting-edge digital solutions. It also provides an opportunity to examine Switzerland’s food
innovation ecosystem and identify its prominent stakeholders, given Uzwil’s status as a key hub for
innovation in the food sector. His Excellency presented the opportunities offered by the UAE’s Food

Economic Cluster model, along with the investment enablers and expansion potential tied to this vital
sector.

The event featured a series of panel discussions and presentations highlighting the importance of
strengthening international partnerships and accelerating knowledge exchange to foster innovation in
the food sector. The sessions showcased global initiatives aimed at building a sustainable food system
and underscored Switzerland’s influential role in international food innovation and its active

contribution to shaping the future of food clusters around the world.

The delegation also visited the Swiss Nutrition & Food Valley, a pioneering model of food clusters

dedicated to developing sustainable and effective food solutions in line with the global Sustainable
Development Goals. The Valley plays a vital role in cementing Switzerland’s position as a global
leader in sustainable nutrition, innovation, and nutritional health.

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