Saudi Arabia is already the EU's sixth biggest export market for agri-food products, with sales there of €4.6 billion in 2016. As a net food importer and with a growing population of young people and rising disposable incomes, Saudi Arabia has the potential to become an increasingly important market for European agri-food producers.

Even though EU-Iran trade in agri-food products is currently limited, the so-called nuclear deal with Iran has enabled a significant increase in bilateral exchanges in the past year. The potential for increasing trade in European food and drink goods is important, taking into account its growing economy, its population of 80 million, and the fact that it is now an aspiring WTO member.

The business delegation that will accompany Commissioner Hogan will represent sectors with the most potential for trade and cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Iran. For Saudi Arabia, this includes poultry and beef meat, fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables, and cereals, among others. Similarly Iran's key sectors are meat, cereals but also food and feed additives and olive oil for example.

Phil Hogan has made promoting Europe's broad range of quality food and drink products a key part of his portfolio. Previous visits include Canada earlier this year, as well as Colombia, Mexico, China, Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia in 2016.

The draft programmes of the business delegation activities in Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Businesses or organisations wishing to apply to join the business delegation can do so here before 10 July 2017. Those with experience in the above sectors, and/or with experience or interest in halal goods will be prioritised.

For practical questions, please email: chafea-agri-events@ec.europa.eu

More information about this visit

Via ec.europa.eu