Export of Plums to the Middle East an Opportunity for Serbian Producers

Marko Selakovic, the head of the Dubai Office of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, presented the potentials and perspectives of the export of Serbian plums to the market of the United Arab Emirates at the online event Dani Sljive in Blace. More than 450 participants followed the presentation, and in addition to companies, enterprises and plum producers, the event also featured representatives of the Regional Chamber of Commerce of Nis, the Regional Development Agency of Nis, the Professional Agricultural Consulting Service of Prokuplje and representatives of companies which produce and process fruit.

As the CCIS announced, Selakovic said that the potential of the Serbian plum market was very high and that it could be competitive in the demanding market of the Middle East.

– Serbia is among the global leaders when it comes to the production of plums, with Macva, Kolubara and Sumadija as the leading regions. In 2019, a total of 558,930 tons of plums was produced – he said and added that 75% of the plums in Serbia, dominated by old indigenous varieties, is used to make rakija. – The varieties of plums here are considerably different than in other areas which are oriented to the export to the Middle East – says Marko Selakovic.

He cites customs-free import, a symbolic VAT of 5% and the possibility of direct contact of producers with distributors as advantages of exporting plums to the market of the Middle East, largely facilitating the trading process.

Selakovic points out that local exporters must pay special attention to the GCC standard, which applies in all countries of the Gulf. He recommends varieties such as “Azinka”, which is very popular in that market.

As requirements for cooperation with the Middle East, he cites high product quality, good packaging, precision when it comes to quantities and honoring the deadlines.

– Since this is a premium market, the product must be of remarkable quality, appearance, design – Selakovic pointed out.

– The producers must join forces so as to consolidate the products, if we want to successfully export serious amounts of the goods to the market of the Middle East – he added and invited local producers to address the CCIS Office in the Emirates for support, as they are available for support in starting a business, connecting with distributors and providing information concerning the market.

Regionalna privredna komora Niš

Regionalna razvojna agencija Jug d.o.o. Niš

Poljoprivredna stručna služba Prokuplje d.o.o. Prokuplje

Marko Selaković

Dani šljive

production and processing of fruit

plums

export of plums

Azinka

Middle East