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Press Release

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq leads economic delegation to Switzerland

to explore best practices in the development of food clusters

UAE delegation reviews pioneering experience of the Swiss Nutrition & Food Valley,

an advanced model of food clusters

Abu Dhabi, 11 July 2025:

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, led an economic delegation
of leading national companies from the food and agriculture sectors to Switzerland. The visit aimed
to explore global best practices in building food innovation ecosystems, developing food clusters,
and promoting research, development, and the adoption of sustainable solutions in the food sector.

As part of the visit, the delegation participated in an event titled ‘Empowering Innovation in the
Food Sector and Building Food Clusters for a Sustainable Economic Future,’ held at the
headquarters of Bühler Group, a global leader in industrial and food solutions based in Uzwil,
Switzerland. The event brought together a distinguished group of private-sector representatives,
industry experts, and decision-makers from across the Swiss food sector and related institutions.

H.E. Bin Touq said: “The UAE has adopted an ambitious, strategic vision to develop an integrated
and pioneering model for food clusters, embedding it within the national economy. This forward-
looking approach charts a promising path that enhances economic and industrial integration across
the country. By connecting multiple sectors within the value chain - from agriculture and food
manufacturing to transportation and logistics - it drives sustainable development, boosts
productivity, and advances economic diversification. This broader impact reinforces the UAE’s
position as a leading global hub for food industries, economic activity, and advanced
manufacturing.”

H.E. said in his speech the event: “The food economic cluster aims to nurture and empower new
generations of highly skilled producers and farmers, equipped with world-class expertise and
global knowledge of food and agricultural practices. Over the next five years, we expect this
model to contribute AED 10 billion to the GDP, increase trade volumes by AED 15 billion, and
create 20,000 job opportunities - all in line with the We the UAE 2031 vision to position the
nation among the world’s top ten countries in the Food Security Index."

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