A recent trade mission to Kuwait has opened doors for UK lamb exporters, particularly in the Middle East’s halal sector. The delegation, comprising ten representatives from seven organisations, aimed to establish partnerships with local Kuwaiti companies and importers. The mission aligns with the UK’s new export strategy, Beyond Borders, and underscores the importance of strengthening bilateral trade relations.
Mission Objectives and Participants
The trade mission took place in September and was organised to promote British lamb as a sustainable choice that complements Kuwaiti cuisine.
The Department for Business and Trade and the agri-counsellor for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) participated in the mission. Initial discussions were held with staff from Ernest and Young to address matters related to taxes and trade barriers.
Diplomatic and Regulatory Interactions
The delegation was hosted by the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and had the opportunity to engage with the British Ambassador to Kuwait, Belinda Lewis. She emphasised the significance of the Kuwaiti market and the need to fortify bilateral relationships. The Head of Kuwait Customs was also present, allowing UK exporters to inquire about import regulations.
Dr Awal Fuseini, AHDB’s senior manager for the halal sector, provided insights into halal assurance practices in the UK.
Market Potential and Economic Indicators
Results from the 2022 Shape the Future vote indicated that exports are a high priority in the lamb sector, scoring 4.4 out of 5 in terms of importance. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with its robust population growth and high disposable income, offers substantial opportunities for UK exporters.
The GCC, in particular, is a high-value market. Kuwait’s GDP grew by 8.2% in 2022 and is expected to rise by another 2.6% in 2023, making it a lucrative market for UK exporters, who are well-positioned to meet this increasing demand.
Future Prospects
The delegation had a positive experience of Kuwaiti culture and hospitality and identified significant business opportunities. Plans are already underway for a return visit in January for the Kuwait Horeca Show.
AHDB continues to work with industry stakeholders and the government to identify further export opportunities for the UK’s red meat and dairy sectors. Their region-by-region analysis, titled ‘Prospects for UK agri-food exports,’ was released earlier this year, outlining both the opportunities and challenges of global trade.
In summary, the recent trade mission to Kuwait has highlighted promising avenues for UK lamb exporters, especially in the halal sector. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand market access and is expected to pave the way for more robust trade relations between the UK and Kuwait.
