H.E. Eng. Saif Al-Shara, Assistant Undersecretary for Agricultural and Animal Affairs, the Ministry of Environment and Water, has met with Dr. James Wallner, Consul Agriculture (Middle East) of Australia’s Department of Agriculture, at the ministry’s Dubai headquarters to discuss further cooperation between the two organizations.
During his welcome speech, H.E. Al-Shara extended his congratulations to the Australian consul for his appointment to his new position. On the subject of bilateral relations between the UAE and Australia, he highlighted the robust collaboration between the two countries especially in agriculture and veterinary medicine. He said this underlines the country’s commitment to exchange expertise with its global counterparts as well as support and strengthen all sectors.
Both parties spoke of various ways to further promote cooperation especially in terms of future investments and improvements to the agricultural and environmental sectors. They particularly looked into the UAE’s potentials and promising prospects that will position the country as a regional and global trade leader. The government’s initiative to further reduce health risks, for one, has increased the confidence of countries importing to the UAE.
The group also discussed ways to overcome obstacles to sea bound exports of Australian goats to the UAE as well as means to facilitate the export of Australian horses in coordination with strategic partners.
The Australian officials maintained that the UAE remains one of the nation’s most important trade partners. In 2013, the Arab state was the largest GCC export market for Australian red meat, while the volume of exported livestock from Australia to the UAE grew to 130,000 from 30,000 in 2012. An Australian delegate attributed these achievements to the robust mutual relations between both countries.
Dr. Wallner commended the Ministry and Islamic associations in charge of issuing Halal certificates for their efforts to closely regulate slaughterhouses. He added that the export of goats and sheep to the UAE is subject to the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS), which is recognized and being applied by the Australia’s Department of Agriculture. Citing a recent report by the Australian Government, he said the UAE has the highest number of ESCAS applications.
Dr. Wallner capped off the meeting by extending their gratitude to the MoEW for its efforts to maintain food safety and security through the application of robust measures and standards. H.E. Al-Shara also presented Dr. Wallner with an English copy of the book titled ‘Flashes of Thought’ by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as a token of commitment to the Ruler’s vision towards leadership, management, and excellence. This vision aims to achieve sustainable development across all sectors in the UAE.