Dr Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water has hailed the evolution witnessed by the exhibition \"Gulfood\", which represents the most important global forums in the field of food, their products and the technologies thanks to the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE minister of finance. He said that the four-day exhibition the \" Gulffood 2013\", which started yesterday at Dubai World Trade Centre, acquires its importance from the national, regional and global participation and number of exhibitors, brands and visitors. He affirmed that the exhibition success reflects clearly the prestigious status of the UAE in general and Dubai in particular as a global hub in the food trade products and its organizing potentials which qualifies the country to host the biggest global events. He lauded the outstanding organizational level of the exhibition as well as the huge number of participants and visitors, which would prove to be a driving force for the country\'s bid to host \'World Expo 2020\' He explained that the continued growth in the volume of trade for food products is an important indicator, which demonstrate the increase in purchasing power of people, and proves a treatment for the world food insecurity. He pointed out the significance of Food and \'Halal\' products showcased in the \"Gulfood 2013\", which are experiencing rapid growth, now accounts for about 12 % of the global food market.