Thai food export from UAE to Middle East on the rise
There is the continuing and growing demand. Thankfully, the lockdowns have no effect. People have been buying our food products. We are going to nearby countries as well, says Poom Tanasapsakul
The atention and delight of Middle East residents to Thai cuisine and gastronomy have never waned despite the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) impact on global tourism.
From the UAE is the continuing expansion of Thailand’s food exports to other Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain.
The observation was from 15-year Dubai resident businesswoman Poom Tanasapsakul, Ever Spring Industry Ltd. owner/managing director: “There is the continuing and growing demand. Thankfully, the lockdowns had no effect. People have been buying our food products. We are going to nearby countries as well. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain.”
Gulf Today met Tanasapsakul on Wednesday evening, at the Official Residence of Thai Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Chairat Sirivat, during the cocktail reception for the “Thai Goodness Festival 2022.”
On the issue of food security-defined by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation as “All people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life”- and for which governments endeavour to export to other countries as well, Sirivat said that the national leadership makes sure that food production is abundant and affordable for domestic consumption while all exports are of international standards.
Sirivat continued: “Thailand is one of the world leaders in producing and exporting food and agricultural products. Rice is not only the main staple crop but also the primary agricultural export. Thailand has for decades been one of the world’s largest rice exporters. Moreover, Thailand has been one of the world’s major exporters of shrimp, fish and fish products as fish and aquatic life have been the major source of protein in the Thai diet since ancient times which makes seafood, along with coconut milk and fruits, play a key part in Thai cuisine.”
“Since the outbreak of COVID-19, food security has been internationally prioritised. Like the UAE, Thailand has put an emphasis on food security agenda. In the Global Food Security Index of 2021, Thailand was ranked 51st out of a total of 113 countries, standing out in ‘affordability’ and natural resources and resilience factors,” he said.
Food aficionados as well as tourists and people on business trips to the kingdom located in the middle of Southeast Asia, could atest on the excellent use of natural resources by the Thais, noticed to be resourceful and creative in their concoctions.
For instance, while blooms such as that of the Buterfly Pea could be the hot tea or the cold beverage with a dash of lime juice; the jasmine flower, combined with boiled rice soaked in icy water is the popular “Khao Chae,” trending during the hot summer months.
On Wednesday evening, guests were treated to a spread of authentic Thai dishes, desserts and drinks from the southern, central, northern and northeastern parts of the country. Among these prepared by Chef Chernporn Chantrarasanam were the “Golek Chicken,” “Pad Thai Roll,” “Khao Soi” (Curry Noodle Soup), and the “Nam Khaeng Sai” sweets with coconut milk on shaved ice.
On the festival that runs until Sept.18 in all Choithram’s in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Sirivat said: “We aim to promote more Thai food culture, 450 Thai food products, and the Thai restaurants as well. There will be cooking demonstrations and food tasting.”
The top food exports of Thailand to the UAE, from the entire 2020 to July 2022 “based on 2021 export value” were canned and processed seafood at $74.42 million (Dhs273,344,660/2,705,725,150 Thailand Baht); rice, $17.29 million (DHS63,506,170/TB628,621,175); and, canned and processed fruits, $30.65 million (DHS112,577,450/TB1,114,403,350).
The top five exports of Thailand to the UAE from 2020 to July 2022 were car, accessories and auto parts at $596.75 million (Dhs21,191,877,668.75/ TB21,701,410,500); air conditioner and accessories, $175.80 million (DHS645,717,795/TB6,392,967,000); wood and wooden products, $211,71 million (DHS777,610,830/TB7,697,140,470); gems and jewellery, $192.22 million (Dhs706,024,060/ TB6,987,197,000); and fax machines, telephones and accessories, $184.12 million (Dhs676,272,760/ TB6,692,762,000).