UAE Food Cluster organises business forum in Andhra Pradesh to foster new partnerships in food industries, agriculture, supply chains and modern AgriTech

With the participation of 32 UAE and Indian companies from the food and agriculture sectors

The UAE Food Cluster, launched by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, organised a UAE–India Business Forum in collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh under the theme ‘Building Strategic Partnerships Across Value Chains.’  The forum brought together more than 32 UAE and Indian companies operating across the food and agriculture sectors, with the aim of strengthening partnerships in food industries, agriculture, supply chains, agricultural technology (AgriTech), and advanced value chain systems, thereby supporting the shared vision of the UAE and India to develop an integrated framework for cooperation across the food and agricultural sectors.

The forum was held as part of a UAE economic delegation visit to Andhra Pradesh, led by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism. The delegation included H.E. Dr. Maria Hanif AlQassim, Assistant Undersecretary for the Policies and Economic Studies Sector at the Ministry, along with representatives from several UAE companies operating in the food, agriculture and logistics sectors.

The event was attended by senior government officials from both countries, including H.E. N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, and representatives of the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB).

An integrated legislative and regulatory framework for the UAE food sector

H.E. Bin Touq affirmed that the UAE has made significant strides in developing an integrated legislative and regulatory framework for the food sector. This has been achieved through the establishment of competitive policies that support the growth of the food industries, the streamlining of procedures for establishing and launching diverse food and agriculture-related activities, and the development of the UAE Food Cluster, which has successfully attracted more than 2,000 companies operating in the sector across the country in just two years.

Advanced infrastructure supporting the integration of value chains in the UAE

His Excellency said: "The UAE has developed advanced infrastructure based on global best practices, which has contributed to strengthening the integration of food and agricultural value chains. It enables connectivity across production, processing and distribution stages, encouraging investment in food and agriculture industries in the UAE market while directing it towards priority food sectors."

Over 44,000 local and international brands operating in food-related activities

H.E. added: "The total number of registered local and international brands operating across food-related activities and fields in the UAE reached 1,644 in H1 2026, bringing the total number to date to 44,199. The UAE is home to more than 10,000 companies operating in the sector, spanning manufacturers, suppliers and distributors, in addition to more than 38,000 farms. These figures and indicators underscore the UAE’s leading position as a global hub for food and sustainable agriculture."

Competitive advantages supporting the expansion of UAE companies in the Indian market

H.E. further added: "The organisation of this important forum in Andhra Pradesh represents a valuable opportunity for UAE companies to capitalise on the competitive advantages and export opportunities available in the Indian market. The state’s strategic geographic location connects local and global markets, while its strong agricultural and industrial capabilities, export potential and distinguished production capacities open new avenues for enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries across vital sectors, including supply chains, food, agriculture, industry, transport and logistics."

MoU between UAE Food Cluster and Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board

The event witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Food Economic Cluster and the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB), in the presence of H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. The MoU aims to strengthen collaboration in trade, investment, innovation, and institutional collaboration across the food and food manufacturing sectors. This helps enhance food security, develop resilient supply chains, encourage sustainable food production and value-added manufacturing, and support joint investments in these vital fields. It also aims to promote the exchange of expertise, the adoption of modern technologies, and the organisation of business forums and exchange of visits by trade missions during the next phase.

The MoU was signed by Saleh Abdulla Lootah, Chairman of the UAE Food Cluster and Chairman of the UAE Food & Beverage Manufacturers Group, and Shan Mohan, CEO of the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board.

Bilateral meeting with Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh

On the sidelines of the forum, H.E. Bin Touq held a bilateral meeting with H.E. N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, to explore avenues for expanding economic and tourism partnership between the two sides across sectors of mutual interest, particularly food, agriculture, tourism, hospitality, and infrastructure.

During the meeting, H.E. Bin Touq highlighted the deep-rooted, strategic economic and investment ties between the UAE and India, with India being one of the UAE’s largest global economic partners. H.E. underlined the UAE’s keenness to continue strengthening productive cooperation with its partners in the Indian government and private sector to support sustainable growth and enhance the prosperity of both economies.

The two sides explored ways to cooperate in developing hospitality projects, maritime tourism, and knowledge-based sectors. Additionally, they discussed opportunities to launch vital projects in the state with the support of UAE companies in tourism infrastructure, hospitality, and coastal development.

The meeting also addressed ways to strengthen joint action in food security and agritech through support for the partnership between the UAE Food Cluster and the agriculture and food industries ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh. This helps support investment attraction, the transfer of modern technologies, and the development of resilient and sustainable food supply chains to serve the shared economic interests of both sides.

Developments of the UAE Food Cluster

H.E. Bin Touq reviewed the latest developments of the UAE Food Cluster and its vital role in strengthening the localisation of supply chains in the country. The Cluster is building an integrated ecosystem that brings together agricultural production, food manufacturing, modern agritech, and artificial intelligence (AI). This contributes to supporting integration across the sector's various components, enhancing cooperation and the exchange of expertise, and promoting the adoption of digital and technological best practices. It also opens broad opportunities for partnership and cooperation with international markets in this field.

H.E. invited Indian companies across the food and agriculture sectors to leverage the opportunities and advantages offered by the cluster. This strengthens investment partnerships and expands prospects for cooperation in the food sector.

Bilateral meetings between Emirati and Indian companies

During the visit, bilateral meetings between representatives of Emirati and Indian companies were held to discuss opportunities for cooperation and partnership across a number of vital sectors, particularly food and agriculture. These included opportunities in supply, manufacturing, export, and distribution, as well as exploring potential partnerships in seafood products, aquaculture, and cold chains. The meetings also discussed ways to leverage the promising opportunities offered by the UAE and Indian markets, thereby strengthening economic and investment cooperation between the two countries during the upcoming stage.