Mexico, UAE to Strengthen Agricultural and Trade Cooperation

Mexico and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will enhance scientific and technical cooperation in the cultivation of nopal, prickly pear, and dates in arid regions, while also expanding trade in agri-food products, including poultry, shrimp, and fish. The partnership will focus on improving production systems and strengthening food security in both nations, according to officials from the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) and the UAE Embassy in Mexico.

Víctor Villalobos, Minister of Agriculture, and Salem Alowais, UAE Ambassador, highlight the need for greater collaboration and technology exchange to advance sustainable agricultural practices. Villalobos adds that Mexico will continue to support productive activities and strengthen its commercial ties with the UAE, particularly through sustainable water use and climate change adaptation initiatives.

“We are committed to innovation and technology, leveraging our reputation for health and safety standards, and expanding halal certification for more commercially relevant products,” says Villalobos.

Ambassador Alowais says that the UAE is interested in deepening scientific and technical cooperation with Mexico, as well as expanding bilateral trade. He calls for advancing sanitary and certification protocols to facilitate the import of Mexican poultry, shrimp, and fish, while also seeking technological exchange in the cultivation of nopal, prickly pear, and dates.

In 2023, Mexico's agri-food and fisheries trade balance with the UAE showed a surplus of US$76 million, with exports totaling US$79 million and imports valued at US$4 million. Between 2019 and 2023, Mexico’s top exports to the UAE included corn snacks, avocados, beer, chickpeas, tequila, strawberries, alfalfa, pepper, sugar, and confectionery products.