Expo Center Sharjah engaged in the regional meeting of the World Trade Council Association for the Middle East and Africa 2023, where discussions centered around the association’s plans to enhance services for members and leverage their expertise in promoting cross-border cooperation in trade and investments.
Representing Expo Center Sharjah in the virtual meeting was His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, the CEO of the Centre.
Expo Sharjah holds an active membership in the World Trade Council Association, recognized as a global platform fostering trade and investment opportunities for economic development bodies and global business communities across more than 90 countries.
The meeting provided Expo Center Sharjah with an opportunity to outline its plans and strategies supporting trade relations, investors, and international companies. The focus was on the role of exhibitions and events in strengthening ties between investors, activating the economic cycle, and aligning with national strategic objectives. It also aimed to gain insights into event management and organization.
During the discussion session, H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa emphasized the UAE’s pivotal role in the global exhibitions and events sector. He highlighted the nation’s hosting of major economic events throughout the year, including the current success of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Expo Dubai. The COP28 has generated a global movement benefitting the environment, society, and the private sector, contributing to global economic development. Al Midfa stressed that the UAE has become a leading destination for organizing events for the global business community.
Al Midfa underscored Expo Center Sharjah’s strategy in organizing specialized events, citing its effectiveness in attracting companies and investors. Notable successes included organizing and hosting major events such as the Sharjah International Book Fair and the Middle East Fair for Watches and Jewellery, which witnessed increasing attendance and visitors. He emphasized that events and exhibitions represent a fundamental milestone in sustainable economic development.
Expo Center Sharjah’s commitment to participating in global events aiming to strengthen and develop the exhibition sector was highlighted. These include the World Travel Market exhibition in London, the World Summit of Exhibition CEOs organized by the World Federation of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), and trade missions organized by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry in friendly countries such as Uganda and Kenya.
The CEO of Expo Center Sharjah renewed the center’s commitment to supporting bilateral business meetings and interactions with stakeholders. It aims to provide ideal platforms for direct communication, recognizing the conferences and events sector as an essential indicator of the recovery of other economic sectors. The center expressed readiness to share its accumulated experiences for the benefit of the World Trade Council Association members and to contribute to comprehensive economic development plans.
