Aiming to provide
an impetus to the strong bilateral trade ties between the UAE and India, Expo
Centre Sharjah (ECS) is exploring collaboration with the apex body of Indian
exhibition and conference organisers, the Council of Indian Exhibition
Organisers (CIEO).
“Exhibitions are critical enablers of
economy and trade, and the memorandum of understanding signed between Expo
Centre Sharjah and the CIEO will go a long way in bolstering the already strong
trade ties between the countries,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo
Centre Sharjah, in Sharjah on Tuesday (March 7).
Al Midfa was
speaking after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Expo Centre
Sharjah and the CIEO with Syed Mohammad Quaim, Founder of CIEO, at Expo Centre
Sharjah on Tuesday7 March. It was also attended by senior Expo Centre executives
and members of the CIEO.
“Though relations between the UAE and India
have historically been strong, the free trade agreement deal signed a year ago
has accelerated these ties further. Through this MoU, Expo Centre Sharjah
and the CIEO will play a key role in boosting these ties by exploring
opportunities for partnerships, joint ventures (JVs), and new events,” Al Midfa
said.
“More than being a
gateway to the entire Middle East region, Expo Centre Sharjah, through its
preeminent position in the country and region, will provide the perfect
ecosystem for Indian exhibition organizers and establishments to promote and
expand their operations,” he added.
The CIEO is a representative
body of Indian exhibition and conference organisers and its members include large
and MSME organisers, Indian and international organisers as well as apex
chamber and trade associations.
The UAE-India
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed last year has
already helped businesses from both India and the UAE to leverage upon duty
waivers and enhanced market access.
And, according to reports,
within a year of signing the agreement, bilateral trade has grown by nearly 30
per cent.
The UAE is India’s
third-biggest trading partner after the US and China, while India is the
Emirates’ second-largest trading partner. The UAE ranks among the top 10
foreign direct investment contributors in India. |