Saudi Date Exports Grow Despite Pandemic

Saudi Date Exports Grow Despite Pandemic

The Saudi National Center for Palms and Dates (NCPD) has revealed a rise in exports of Saudi dates by 7.1 percent in 2020.

Statistics showed an increase in export quantities by 17 percent shipped to 107 countries around the world.

NCPD said the amount of exported dates increased from 127,000 tons to 215,000 tons between 2015 and 2020.

It pointed out that the value of exports jumped from SAR535 million to SAR927 million ($247 million), at a rate of 73 percent.

In a statement on Tuesday, the center said these achievements are outcomes of the joint efforts exerted with the Ministry of Environment, Water, Agriculture, in addition to the help of relevant authorities amid the coronavirus pandemic that has negatively affected and hindered the global economy.

The center has worked in cooperation with the relevant authorities on four main pillars to achieve the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

The Center is heading forward with its efforts aimed at promoting Saudi dates abroad and raising the Kingdom's exports by participating in annual events and international exhibitions.

It is worth noting that the Kingdom has more than 30 million palm trees that produce 1.4 million tons of the finest dates annually.