Iwi owned company signs MOU with Dubai Government, endorsed by PM John Key

Aotearoa Fisheries Limited and division, Prepared Foods has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Awqaf and Minors’ Affairs Foundation, Government of Dubai – United Arab Emirates signifying their special relationship. It is described as the first non-Islamic agreement of its kind to be signed by the Dubai Government.

The signing took place in the Jumeriah Emirates Towers in the presence of Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key. Signing parties included Craig Orr, General Manager of Business Development, Aotearoa Fisheries and Secretary General of Awqaf and Minors’ Affairs Foundation, His Excellency Tayeb Abdul Rahman Al Rais.

This is a significant occasion for both countries as it marks a real partnership between these entities who share the same business models. As an endowment based charity, Awqaf & Minor Affairs Foundation saw real value with being in partnership with a company that is 100% Maori owned and structured where all earnings are generated are to be returned to benefit Iwi and future generations. There are many learning’s and experiences to be shared between these countries.

The Salma project is underwritten by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. The vision is to provide Halal safe protein meals to global disaster torn regions. The project underpins the nation’s culture of valuing its citizens.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed has set the ‘magic million’ goal, which is to provide one million pouches of ready to eat halal protein meals to those victims of disaster and in need of emergency humanitarian relief.

Prepared Foods, is at the forefront of assisting the Dubai Government achieve their vision by providing safe, Halal ready to eat meals. Through the support of Awqaf NZ they have both worked studiously fast, already facilitating an airlift in conjunction with the New Zealand Government and Air force, of thousands of pouches out of Ohakea Airbase, Palmerston North to Gaza using His Highnesses own 747 aircraft.

Mr Abdelouahab Saeed bin Soufane, Salma Project Director with Awqaf & Minor Affairs Foundation says, “AWQAF New Zealand are the founding entity of the project and model. With the support of Prepared Foods we teamed up as they have rich experience and a great reputation when it comes to meat and food processing. They’ve set benchmarks, which are globally followed.

When we thought of this project, for us the most important thing was quality and the first country known for quality food products is New Zealand. They’ve got world class laboratories and factories where the food passes very strict food safety standards.”

Mr Orr says, “We are truly honoured to support the Dubai Government and Awqaf NZ to realise this vision. The agreement ensures we exchange expertise and experiences for greater development of the Salma humanitarian relief program. This kind of program can be rolled out anywhere in the world and its exciting to be part of solution to helping those in need, because it’s just the right thing to do.”

ENDS

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