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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.