Union Coop heads to China to maintain fish food security standards

Dubai, UAE: Union Coop, the largest consumer co-operative in the UAE signed agreements with Ffish farms and exporters in the People’s Republic of China, which will contribute to price reduction of fish and marine products by 20 to 25% from their current levels. In addition to building a sustainable Food and Fish security in the country, this move will lead to a rise in Union Coop's purchases of marine products to approx. AED 45 million annually. 

Mr. Yaqoob Al Balooshi, Fresh Category Trade Dept. Manager, Union Coop believes the move will contribute towards sustainable economic development and support the initiatives of environmental agencies of the government as well. He said: - “The agreements signed with the Chinese will contribute significantly to the sustainability and promotion of fisheries in the country, reduce overfishing practices and also contribute to support the initiatives of UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment during the ‘fishing seasons ban’." 

Import of such products will contribute to the reduction of prices of marine products for several reasons: low-cost manpower in China, huge production capacity, which has a direct impact on the prices of fish and other marine products in general. Meanwhile, we are keen to use European specifications that meet the aspirations of the UAE community, where Union Coop will strive to provide products not available in the UAE marine market, he added

Al Balooshi added that Union Coop is one of the most important sales outlets for fish in Dubai, with consumptions about 5 tons per day. Varieties include 400 types of fresh fish, organic, dried Crustacean in the fish sections, which provides all types of UAE fish and imports high-quality products at competitive prices with the provision of additional services such as shredding and cleaning at no additional cost. 

He also added that Union Coop is constantly seeking new avenues of production, in addition to the  10 countries at present,  to meet the growing needs of consumers. Union Coop stays consistent with the directions of wise leadership of the country concerning expanding the strategic economic partnership. 

In a similar context, a delegation from Union Coop visited the east Chinese city of Dalian to conclude agreements with several fishing and production companies, packaging factories, shipping companies and even the general fish market.