All three entities work to position the UAE as a key node in global food supply chains
Etihad Cargo, Abu Dhabi Airports, a key enabler of the emirate’s aviation sector, and Abu Dhabi Food Hub–KEZAD, the region’s largest and first dedicated food wholesale market and logistic hub, have signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly establish a fully compliant and transparent origin-to-destination perishable air corridor known as the ‘Fresh Corridor 2.0’.
The initiative will support the diversification of food sources, developing new trade corridors and enhancing the choice and variety of products available for regional consumers, according to a press communique.
This MoU sets a framework for Abu Dhabi’s food trade enablers to position the UAE as a key node in global food supply chains. The partners, together, aim to establish a strong ecosystem for food trading and investment, which includes advanced infrastructure, access to regional consumer markets, and reliable logistics and connectivity worldwide.
Collaborative efforts
The agreement strengthens the integrated offering of Abu Dhabi through collaborative efforts by the three parties that involves an exchange of knowledge and expertise in handling, storage and logistics, food safety, and hygiene as part of the trading process.
Furthermore, the partnership is dedicated to addressing the evolving demands of the food trade by liaising with government stakeholders, relevant facilitators, and key contributors from the food ecosystem thus ensuring a seamless trade.
“Etihad Cargo is committed to the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051 and is proud to be an active partner in the launch of the region’s largest food wholesale market, Abu Dhabi Food Hub, KEZAD. Etihad Cargo customers will benefit from the expanded infrastructure as a strategic hub in the Middle East to the rest of the world,” commented Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, Etihad Airways.
Bold Step
“The launch of the Fresh Corridor 2.0 will encourage two-way food trade between the UAE and the rest of the world bringing food products into the UAE but also taking our ‘Made in the UAE” products to the world in a bold step towards diversification and growth of imports and exports,” affirmed Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports.
“This collaboration will indeed enhance our multi-modal capabilities as we seek to position the UAE as a leader in the regional food value chain. Our vision is to create an unparalleled ecosystem of sellers and buyers from around the world,” remarked Suresh Vaidhyanathan, CEO, Abu Dhabi Food Hub.
This partnership aims to set new standards in commercial and operational excellence within the global food trade. It seeks to offer solutions that meet the demands of the industry and result in the effective management of the global supply chain and logistics, the press statement concluded.
