The first dedicated international trade fair for fresh fruits and vegetables in the Middle East is set to take place in March.

The World of Perishables (WOP) will take place at the Airport Expo in Dubai on March 3-5, 2009.

An estimated three million tonnes of fruit and vegetables worth $3 billion (£2bn) is imported by the Gulf countries which have grown by 12 per cent in volume and 40 per cent in value in 2007.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) imports 90 per cent of its food requirements ($4bn, £2.6m) and re-exports 60-70 per cent of its food imports to its Gulf region neighbours, according to a market report of Dubai and the Gulf countries.

WOP 2009 will attract trade visitors of the above categories including growers, producers, fresh produce importers and exporters and representatives from throughout the food industry.

Its sister event is the International Plants Expo Middle East (IPM 09) which is dedicated to the green industry in the gulf region country.

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